30/10 - 1/11 - Day of the Dead in Patzcuaro

First of all, I have to mention here briefly that the experiences and experiences that Kathi and I were able to experience in Patzcuaro were so impressive and affecting that they will never be put into words and the pictures only a fraction of it could capture. Nevertheless, I'll do my best to give you a little insight into the traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead in Patzcuaro and the surrounding villages.

Patzcuaro is a beautiful little red and white town located on Lake of the same name.

On the first afternoon we spent exploring the city center and its alleys and came across, among other things, a huge market with flowers for the Day of the Dead...

...and on a beautiful art and cultural center, where we were invited to a documentary film in their courtyard about the traditions in the villages around Patzcuaro for the Day of the Dead in the evening - and we gratefully accepted the invitation. It was a totally interesting evening in a cozy atmosphere. 

Lake of Patzcuaro & Janitzio Island

The next morning we set off early to Lake of Patzcuaro to take a boat to Janitzio Island. Because apparently there is such a rush of visitors on November 1st and 2nd (in addition to the actual residents and relatives) that you can hardly move, we decided to visit the island in advance.

The boat ride offers beautiful views and there are also nice corners on the island. Unfortunately, it is also a sad example of what happens when local residents do not understand how to deal with tourism. Because the last thing tourists visiting Janitzio expect are any junk souvenirs from China, 'beach clubs', and reggaeton.

In the afternoon we returned to the center of Patzcuaro to eat, continue to follow the preparations, and have ourselves made up as Catrinas.

In the evening, we returned to the art and cultural center for a concert by a Mexican band. This time there was a lot more going on and the music and atmosphere were simply great!!!

Tzintzuntzan - a small village on Lake of Patzcuaro

To avoid the traffic chaos that sets in around Lake of Patzcuaro on November 1st in the afternoons, we set off early in the morning on All Saints' Day with the Colectivo to Tzintzuntzan (a small village on Lake of Patzcuaro) to observe the village traditions and preparations there. The atmosphere was impressive and the graveyards were swarming with families preparing the graves and altars. Of course, chip and churro sellers must not be missing there - work makes you hungry.

In addition, we were lucky that a small family procession happened to pass us by through the village with floral decorations and musicians on their way to the cemetery. 

Back in Patzcuaro, inspired by the many great pottery shops in Tzintzuntzan, we ventured back to the crafts market. Unfortunately, our wallets had to suffer a bit from the visit to the market...but we simply couldn't resist such beautiful unique pottery items.

To avoid further shopping sprees, we quickly made our way back to the hotel to secure our newly acquired 'treasures' and prepare our layered look for the night at the cemeteries. All bundled up, we returned to the center, admired the finished altars, and waited for the start of our cemetery tour with traditional music and dance and a Carajillo (coffee with 43 liqueur) to warm up.

The impressions we gathered that night in the cemeteries, where family members and relatives sat around the graves waiting for their departed ones, children played together, and food and hot drinks were sold in front of the cemeteries, were absolutely unique and moving and will both remain in our memory for a very long time.