A unique autumn cultural experience is to visit Puerto Vallarta, Mexico during the traditional festival of Dia de los Muertos  – a 3 day festival held each year between Oct 31st thru Nov 2nd. Be prepared for an abundance of colour, flowers, creativity and even humour that is lovingly created in the many displays and traditions honouring the deceased.

Although months away – this is one trip that should be planned well in advance to ensure hotel availability for this hugely popular festival.  On November 2nd Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is an annual lively celebration to honour the spirits of the dead.  It is a Mexican tradition that has now evolved to also include other events on October 31st and November 1st. Legend is that the souls of the dead briefly return to visit their loved ones. This multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends  to pray and remember friends and family members who have died, and help support their spiritual journey.   Lively festivals celebrate the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties and activities the dead enjoyed in life.

One aspect of this tradition is the creation of temporary altars honouring the departed. Below are only a few examples.  This is one holiday to be sure to carry your camera with you at all times!

Sailing Shrines of Love

A few days before the festivities, local Puerto Vallarta residents feverishly gather in locations throughout the city preparing various altars with paper and fresh marigold flowers, food and pictures of the deceased being honoured.  These shrines are created by  individual families, local stores, restaurants and even hotels honouring the relatives or workers who have passed away.  A boat theme was used for festivities in 2016.

Graveyard Tradition

I was lucky enough to find an English tour of the Municipal Cemetery.  Led by our guide we weaved our way through the heavily decorated graveyard. It was a very special and touching Nov 2nd day to be able to observe this tradition first hand.

Outside the gates, the cemetery walls were lined with stalls of colourful paper and real flowers along with the unique pictures for displaying on the gravestone.

Cemetery Picnics

According to Mexican wisdom you insult death by giving into melancholy.  Which is why families and friends actually spend time in cemeteries during the day continuing into the late night visiting and celebrating with others and their deceased loved ones. 

Words of Wisdom

I will leave you with this Mexican saying:

“Quien con la esperanza vive, alegre mere.” – “He who lives with hope dies happy.”

Lessons Learned

• This is a very popular festival with tourists – plan your holiday as soon as possible.
• I think it is important enough to repeat that during these celebrations you should always carry your camera and with backup batteries & cards!
• Be sure to find a local paper on the actual dates, times and activities-there is so much to see and do during these 3 days.   Check with your hotel or the local tourist board.
• Arrive a few days before – and wander around the Malecon – the boardwalk area along the beach.  It is interesting to see all the decorating activities happening and you can take photos without the huge crowds on festival days.

Travel Tidbits

• Several online English newspapers provide the most current information on activities happening.  Keep checking to find out the most current fun things to see and do!
• www.banderasnews.com
• www.vallartatoday.com
• www.news.wexico.com

 

 

DIANE ‘S TRAVEL HEART

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