World famous San Miguel de Allende, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, is hosting a variety of celebrations to commemorate this year’s Day of the Dead.
Here are some of the best events for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the city.
Performances
Oct. 30 will see two performances take place in San Miguel’s main square. The play “Huesos, Calacas y Calaveras” (Bones, Skeletons and Skulls) at 6 p.m., and a contemporary dance performance from the Casa de la Cultura (House of Culture) – “Contemplando la Muerte” (Contemplating Death), at 7 p.m.
On Oct. 31, the program will begin at 4:45 p.m. with the ballet “En México, la Muerte está viva” (“In Mexico, Death is alive”), followed by the play “Cuenta la Leyenda Catrina” (The Catrina Says) at 6 p.m., and a musical at 7 p.m.
Finally, Nov. 1 will see “La Leyenda del Payaso” (The Clown Legend) at 6 p.m. and a performance bythe Ballet Chiapan from San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, at 7 p.m.
Oaxacan native and iconic performer Lila Downs, will close the Day of the Dead festivities in San Miguel de Allende on Nov. 5.
Downs is renowned for her performances in several Indigenous languages of Mexico, including Mixtec, Zapotec, Mayan, Purépecha and Nahuatl, as well as songs in English and Spanish.
The concert will take place in the main square at 9 p.m. and is free.
Parades
Since 2001, the community of Rancho Los Labradores has organized a Catrinas Parade on Nov. 1. The parade seeks to give foreigners living in San Miguel a taste of the original roots of the holiday.
This year, they will host three parties at three different locations in San Miguel. Times and locations of the Catrinas Makeup Party will be sent by email, so check out the event’s website for more information.
The official municipal Day of the Dead parade will take place on Nov. 2, at 6 p.m., from Cardo street to the main square.
Exhibitions
Art and design center Fábrica La Aurora, will host its traditional Art Walk on Oct. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m., showcasing art exhibitions based on Day of the Dead, as well as elaborate altars (“ofrendas”).
Running from Oct. 26 through Nov. 2, the “Coloreando la Muerte” (Coloring Death) festival will take place at the Hotel Hacienda de Santuario, to celebrate the union between mysticism and tradition during Day of the Dead.
The event will feature an array of activities, ranging from tamal-making workshops, to setting up a Day of the Dead altar, and constructing a paper skeleton using traditional “cartonería” techniques. Additionally, there will be hot chocolate and “pan de muerto”, as well as demonstrations of Mexican rituals and ceremonies.
For kids
The Casa de la Cultura at Mesones #75 will hold a junior film festival, with a selection of films for children about Day of the Dead, on Oct. 30 at 4:30 p.m. and Nov. 1 at 5 p.m.
With reports from Dirección de Cultura y Tradiciones, San Miguel Live, Gobierno de San Miguel de Allende, Periódico Correo, Local Guide, Catrinas Parade San Miguel
