Death in Mexico is not a finality but a continuation of life, celebrated with sweets and colorful offerings during the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), November 1 and 2.
The souls of muertitos (deceased loved ones) return from their rest, revitalized through a magical ritual mixture of offerings—the scent of flowers and incense, prayers, music, tequila, tears and laughter.
Decorated altars recall loved ones while mocking death with irreverent expressions of typical Mexican humor. Colorful papel picado (cut tissue paper), playful alfeñique (molded sugar figures) and miniature replicas of favorite foods and personal items are on sale throughout town at local stores and markets, particularly at the Day of the Dead market in front of El Oratorio church (Plaza Cívica). While family altars are created in most homes, many public spaces also are adorned with altars to honor well-known figures. This year, the city continues with its recent tradition of building a public altar in the Jardín. Additionally, public altars can be found in several locations around town Without a doubt, the most visited place during Día de los Muertos is the municipal cemetery. Families and friends visit their muertitos at Panteón Guadalupe, commonly known as the Panteón (on Camino Viejo al Panteón, past Hotel Real de Minas), spending the day decorating and cleaning graves.
It is also the only time of the year that the old historic cemetery behind the San Juan de Dios Church (calle San Antonio Abad) is open to the public, attracting more than 1,000 visitors.
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