Day of the Dead and the Llorona Festival
Celebrate the Day of the Dead in a unique way, only in Tlatlauquitepec.
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The Dia de Muertos, which is translated to Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition of pre-Hispanic origin. The main days of celebration are November 1 and 2. However, preparations begin many weeks before.
✦ Such is the beauty and complexity of this celebration that it has attracted the attention of the whole world, because these days are dedicated to departed loved ones, to show them that they are still remembered with affection.
It is not surprising that, given the cultural diversity of Mexicans, this holiday is celebrated in different ways depending on the state and locality where you are.
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Here we want to highlight the cultural value of the Day of the Dead in Tlatlauquitepec, home to unique shows such as the Festival de la Llorona or the raising of altars of the dead and the creation of sawdust carpets to decorate the main streets in the heart of this Magical Town.
The unique shades
of the Día de Muertos
in Tlatlauquitepec
✦ Year after year, this date is eagerly awaited by all Tlatlauquenses. At the end of October and beginning of November, families set up their altars to receive their faithful departed with the distinctive rituals of the festivity.
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You know that the days of celebration are approaching, when the locals of the Pueblo Mágico de Tlatlauquitepec come very early to the outside of the municipal market, to acquire the products that are used to receive the faithful departed.
The magic unfolds along the town’s main streets, where a colorful parade brings the calaveritas to life, followed by an evocative performance in Huaxtla’s historic church.
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All of this is punctuated by singing contests and calaveritas in the town’s theater, along with impressive ofrendas, which weave a web of liveliness and culture. Here you will see families gather in the evenings to share stories and memories.
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This while enjoying some hot tamalitos accompanied by atole, just to mention some of the antojitos available in town.
The altars
✦ The Dia de Muertos altar is a great Mexican tradition that the inhabitants of this beautiful Pueblo Magico want to preserve. There is a belief that says that the souls of the people who passed away during the current year accompany the souls that have been dead for a year.
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It is said that this happens because the new souls carry the essence of the products that are offered on the altars. Could it be for this reason that in Tlatlauquitepec the local producers take so much care to provide the best food and decorations to set up the altars?
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It is through the preparation of these altars that the living and the dead meet again in a dimension that allows them to coexist. It is worth mentioning that the offerings are placed on a table with two levels that symbolize heaven and earth. If it is three, purgatory is added. The largest ones are seven levels and represent the steps to reach eternal rest.
You should know that, for some years now, activities are carried out for the inhabitants and tourists, some characters and sectors of the population, as well as the town hall, are organized and together they elaborate offerings dedicated to illustrious characters of the life of Tlatlauquitepec. Sometimes they also carry out contests of calaveritas, which is a tradition where kids ask for candy and fruit, and callejoneadas, which are tours about the many alleyways in the town.
When you go to this festival, be sure to try the typical dishes! Highlights include smoked meats, tlacoyos stuffed with potatoes, beans or broad beans, mushroom mole and, of course, poblano.
✦ You will also find desserts such as calabaza de castilla in piloncillo accompanied by a liqueur. Here they produce anise, plum, guava, coffee, capulin, passion fruit and the unmissable yolixpa.
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And finally, don’t miss the opportunity to try the delicious pan de muerto made in ovens heated with wood in the old local bakeries. This baking method gives the breads a unique touch that you will love.
Sawdust mats
✦ In Tlatlauquitepec, the celebration is not only about the typical and colorful altars. The locals take this opportunity to show their skills in the creation of amazing sawdust carpets, transforming the streets into vibrant canvases.
These rugs originate from indigenous peoples, in fact, it is worth mentioning that they are the result of the intrinsic syncretism that exists in the country as a result of the combination of pre-Hispanic culture and colonial times. ✦⁎*⋄✦⁎*⋄✦⁎*⋄✦⁎*⋄
It is known that these handicrafts are inspired by the pre-Hispanic traditions that are preserved to this day and also by the Catholic rites brought by the Spaniards a few centuries ago. Today, the monumental tapetes are made of sawdust, wood or flowers and, in addition to decorating the town, they welcome the deceased.
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At nightfall, local musicians envelop you in an evening concert, while a small ceremony illuminates the path of the souls to their homes. The lower zone comes to life at La Soledad Dam, with the tour of light and hope where a boat ride immerses you in a unique experience, accompanied by the authentic flavor of yolixpa, the characteristic drink of the region. A traditional activity not to be missed to soak up the local essence.
La Llorona present
in Tlatlauquitepec
Do you want to experience the Day of the Dead in all its color and splendor? Then this festival is for you.
✦ The celebration of Día de Muertos has a deep meaning in Tlatlauquitepec for many reasons. One of the most representative is that during these dates is when one of the most valuable festivals of the year comes to life: the Festival of la Llorona.
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This emblematic event is able to immerse you in the richness of the traditions and customs rooted in each local community.
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This event has been celebrated since 2018 and has become an indelible feature of the local community, transcending borders and attracting the attention of tourists, both national and international.
At the Festival of La Llorona, traditions come to life, the legacy endures and the borders between worlds are blurred in an unforgettable spectacle.
During these Day of the Dead festivities, both locals and visitors can enjoy cultural and recreational activities such as the following:
⁎*⋄ Inauguration of the festival
⁎*⋄ Callejoneada ‘La Llorona’
in main streets
⁎*⋄ Rowing boat tour
on the La Soledad Dam in
the section of the El Papalote
Ecotourism Complex
⁎*⋄ Exhibition of traditional offerings
in the Municipal Park organized
by educational institutions.
⁎*⋄ Gastronomic and artistic contests
such as costumes and singing
⁎*⋄ Children’s drawing contest
‘Plasmando a los muertos’
⁎*⋄ Illuminated bridge crossing
⁎*⋄ Día de Muertos Parade
⁎*⋄ Gastronomic samples of tamales,
bread and traditional sweets
⁎*⋄ Live music by regional artists
It is worth emphasizing how magnificent it is to be part of the Luz y Esperanza tour on the Soledad Dam.
It is worth mentioning that this activity is not to be missed, because while you travel in a beautiful boat adorned with flowers and candles, you will enjoy live music and a rich repertoire of Mexican and local legends to enhance your experience.
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In addition, here you will be able to see the llorona herself among the caves and waterfalls illuminated for the occasion. This experience is offered on the boats Takiskiany and El Papalote Complejo, located in the area of Lancheros Soledad,
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The intention of this festival is to bring people closer to the traditions of the Day of the Dead and invite them to preserve them. In other words, these are the ways in which Tlatlauquitepec keeps its roots alive.
