How is the Day of the Dead celebrated in the different towns of Mexico?
The Day of the Dead celebration is a major event in our country. This traditional holiday, which we cherish and which defines us as a nation, also has distinct characteristics; slight variations from one region to another. Here are some of them:
Hanal Pixán in Yucatán
On the Yucatán Peninsula, people of Mayan origin celebrate Hanal Pixán , a cult dedicated to the deceased where altars are set up, lit with candles and decorated with flowers, typical regional food, and photographs.
This celebration lasts three days: October 31 is dedicated to children, November 1 to adults, and on the 2nd the hanal pixanoob is celebrated, with a mass dedicated to the souls that generally takes place in the town cemetery.
A classic: The Night of the Dead in Michoacán
Michoacán is undoubtedly a benchmark for celebrations of the faithful departed, with the Purépecha tradition of holding wakes for the dead on the night of November 2nd. Candles and flowers placed on altars and tombs create a mystical atmosphere that has captivated visitors from around the world for years.
They take place in towns such as Uranden, Ihuatzio, Tzitzuntzan, Jaracuaro or Tzurumutaro.
On Janitzio Island, the rituals begin on October 31 with the kuirisi-atakua , or duck hunt, where people set out at dawn to Lake Pátzcuaro to hunt ducks and then enjoy them.
The Day of the Dead in La Huasteca
In the Huasteca region, the Xantolo festival is held in honor of the dead in the states of Hidalgo, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and San Luis Potosí. The latter includes parades, contests, dances, and displays of altars and offerings, which take place in cemeteries or plazas.
Each municipality in the Huasteca region has its own unique way of celebrating: Most include displaying altars in their homes and public gathering places, parades of catrinas, visits to graves, wakes in cemeteries, and even craft and food displays.
Xantolo celebrates the dead, whom it remembers and venerates. This tradition remains deeply rooted in the eastern part of the state of San Luis Potosí, and therefore welcomes its guests with flowers, songs, altars, food, dance, and music.
With information from: Source