Day of the Dead

Photo by Catrinas Villao

‍The Day of the Dead has been listed as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO since 2003.

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What is the Day of the Dead?

Mexican culture is known for its vibrant celebrations, and the Day of the Dead festival is the most iconic. If you are a foreigner, you might be confused about what is celebrated on the Day of the Dead; that's why experiencing this cultural event in Mexico will show you that it is a celebration of life. To be part of the Day of the Dead events, book a trip to Sayulita, a small surf town on the country's west coast. The Day of the Dead celebration in Sayulita is very traditional and festive, so on your next vacation, you can see for yourself how people celebrate the Day of the Dead.

When is the Day of the Dead?

The festivities are celebrated on November 1 and 2; the first day is for deceased children (Day of the Innocent Saints) and the second is the traditional Day of the Dead. If you travel to Sayulita at this time of year, you can experience this Day of the Dead tradition in Mexico, enriching your beach vacation. While the Day of the Dead events in Sayulita take place on November 1 and 2, decorations can be seen from the last days of October.

What is Celebrated on the Day of the Dead?

Because skeletons and skulls are an iconic part of the Day of the Dead, many people mistakenly think it is a morbid holiday. In our country, the Day of the Dead dates back to the Mesoamerican era, particularly the Mexica civilization. In this culture, it was believed that upon dying, people had to reach Mictlán or the "place of the dead" to achieve eternal rest. While not everyone holds this belief, Day of the Dead events focus on remembering and honoring the lives of those who have passed away. Once you have experienced these cultural events, you will see that life and family are at the heart of the Day of the Dead celebration.

Day of the Dead in Sayulita

Experiencing a cultural vacation is one of the best things to do in Sayulita, and the community goes all out to make the Day of the Dead in Sayulita very special. In the schools, children spend time making "Ojos de Dios" (God's eyes), traditional Huichol symbols of protection and connection with God, and these and other decorations hang all over the town. During the festive events in Sayulita, there are also various events in the central plaza and people dressed in festive costumes.

How is the Day of the Dead Celebrated?

No matter where you are in Mexico, there are some key similarities in how people celebrate the Day of the Dead. To honor the deceased and welcome their spirits that night, families build altars with their photos and place their favorite items, such as cigarettes, card games, and chocolates. Some traditional elements on an altar also include candles and bright orange flowers (marigolds) to light their way and water to refresh the spirits. One of the main Day of the Dead events is when communities come together to clean cemeteries and decorate the graves. In Sayulita, the local cemetery will be filled with candles as families share stories of the deceased.

Day of the Dead Traditions in Mexico

In addition to the altars and clean cemeteries, there are some other Day of the Dead traditions in Mexico. One of the favorite holiday foods is pan de muerto, a fluffy bread flavored with orange, covered in butter and sugar. Sugar skulls are also a festive treat and are decorated with vibrant colors and intricate designs. At cultural events, you will see people dressed as catrinas, skeletons with Victorian-era clothing, representing that inside, we are all the same. While celebrating the Day of the Dead festival, the air fills with mariachi music and the aromas of traditional Mexican food. Eating pan de muerto and viewing the artwork are the best things to do in Sayulita for the Day of the Dead.

There are many things to do in Sayulita that showcase traditional Mexican culture, and during the holidays, there is no better place. The Day of the Dead celebration is one of the most important events in Sayulita that you won’t want to miss.