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

Byatangajwe: 28.11.2017

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.

View from Patzcuaro to the lake
View from Patzcuaro to the lake

Red and white city center
Red and white city center of Patzcuaro

A doctor
A doctor's office in Patzcuaro


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...

Cut flowers for the Day of the Dead
Cut 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. 

Pásele Pásele - Come in!
Pásele Pásele - Come in!


La Jacaranda Cultural in Patzcuaro
La Jacaranda Cultural in Patzcuaro


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.

Lake of Patzcuaro
Lake of Patzcuaro

Janitzio Island
Janitzio Island

Fishermen with butterfly nets
Fishermen with butterfly nets

Transporting flowers to Janitzio
Transporting flowers to Janitzio


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 narrow streets of Janitzio
In the narrow streets of Janitzio

Church in Janitzio
Church in Janitzio

Cemetery in Janitzio
Cemetery in Janitzio

Cemetery in Janitzio
Cemetery in Janitzio


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


Two German Catrinas in the center of Patzcuaro
Two German Catrinas in the center of Patzcuaro


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.

Final preparations in the cemeteries of Tzintzuntzan
Final preparations in the cemeteries of Tzintzuntzan

Final preparations in the cemeteries of Tzintzuntzan
Final preparations in the cemeteries of Tzintzuntzan

Final preparations in the cemeteries of Tzintzuntzan
Final preparations in the cemeteries of Tzintzuntzan

Final preparations in the cemeteries of Tzintzuntzan
Final preparations in the cemeteries of Tzintzuntzan

Musican family in a cemetery in Tzintzuntzan
Musican family in a cemetery in Tzintzuntzan


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. 


Family procession on the way to the cemetery
Family procession on the 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.

Pottery at the Mercado de Artesanías
Pottery at the Mercado de Artesanías


Pottery at the Mercado de Artesanías
Pottery at the Mercado de Artesanías


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.

Main altar on the fountain in Patzcuaro
Main altar on the fountain in Patzcuaro

Main altar on the fountain in Patzcuaro
Main altar on the fountain in Patzcuaro


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.

Noche de Muertos at Lake of Patzcuaro
Noche de Muertos at Lake of Patzcuaro

Noche de Muertos at Lake of Patzcuaro
Noche de Muertos at Lake of Patzcuaro

Noche de Muertos at Lake of Patzcuaro
Noche de Muertos at Lake of Patzcuaro

Food sales in front of the cemetery
Food sales in front of the cemetery

Noche de Muertos at Lake of Patzcuaro
Noche de Muertos at Lake of Patzcuaro

Noche de Muertos at Lake of Patzcuaro
Noche de Muertos at Lake of Patzcuaro


Igisubizo

Mexico
Raporo yingendo Mexico
#mexico#michoacan#patzcuaro#diademuertos#lagodepatzcuaro#tzintzuntzan#janitzio#catrinas#nochedemuertos