PANTHEON OF ATZOMPA In Oaxaca, on the night of October 31, the pantheons come alive in a tradition known as the evening or the lighting. This is a unique time when families gather in cemeteries to celebrate their deceased loved ones. Far from being a grim event, the atmosphere is full of party, music, food and mezcal. Although each municipality has its own particular way of celebrating, the central purpose is the same: to await the arrival of the spirits of the deceased and to guide them back home so that they can enjoy the altar of the dead prepared for them. The tradition of watching all night is an act of great responsibility and love. It is believed that if it is not realized, the spirits will be saddened and will not visit their families again. For this reason, Oaxacan families remain in the pantheons, lighting the road with candles and sharing with their ancestors a night full of joy and memory.

PANTHEON OF XOXOCOTLAN Day of the Dead Evening At nightfall, around 5 or 6, Oaxacans begin arriving at the cemeteries for the traditional evening. They carry offerings of all kinds: flowers, candles, mud and sweet skulls, and the favorite food and drink of their deceased, including mezcal or beer to mitigate the cold of the night. The evening is a long day, which runs until 4 or 5 in the morning. According to oral tradition, this custom dates back many years. It is said that people arrived at the cemetery at 11 pm to pray and wait for their deceased to return from beyond at 3 am. Then they accompanied the souls to their homes, where they were already waiting for meticulously prepared altars, full of the things they enjoyed most in life. It is a moment of reunion and remembrance, a bridge between the living and those who have already left.

Enjoy a traditional dinner mole tamales, hot chocolate, dead bread and mezcal.

It includes the decoration of face pint so that you bring prepared your costume to enjoy this night activity.

Altar of the dead exhibition, the guide will explain the meaning of an altar for Oaxacan families.