Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico – Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Culture Organization (UNESCO), the celebration of the Day of the Dead is probably one of the best-known Mexican traditions around the world and one of the most representative of our culture.
The Riviera Nayarit recommends two micro-destinations that stand out for their picturesque celebrations and traditions where you will discover a unique way of honoring the dead: The Magic Town of Sayulita and Bucerías. Either one of these two villages will guarantee excellent photography and ample opportunities to experience our traditions.
Those seeking adventure, or who prefer family travel, will undoubtedly encounter new and enriching experiences in the Riviera Nayarit. We invite you to discover them…
Long Live the Dead in the Magic Town of Sayulita
Over the years, the Magic Town of Sayulita has seen its ¡Vivan los Muertos! (“Long Live the Dead!”) Festival flourish. This event focuses on sharing the different artistic expressions that come to life between October 31st and November 2nd. The locals love it, but it’s also become a great attraction for visitors.
During the celebration the village streets become a riot of color and the cempasúchil, or marigold, flowers perfume the air. In the town plaza, you’ll find an exhibition of altars honoring the dead, which is also a contest; elegant Catrinas (living skeletons); brilliant carpets made of colored sawdust, and other figures related to death.
The Vivan los Muertos 2019 (Long live the Dead) Parade will take place on Thursday, October 31st at 8:00 pm. Different associations participate in the parade, as well as the Ejido’s charros (Mexican cowboys) and an escaramuza (show of horsemanship); the riders will be all dressed up in traditional garb with their faces painted like skulls.
Attendees will enjoy the night walk on October 1st and 2nd, the Nuestros Muertos (Our Dead) serenade, and the pilgrimage to the communal cemetery at the edge of Playa Los Muertos, where a vigil is held in honor of the dearly departed.
The festival ends in the main plaza with Mariachi and folkloric ballet performances, an altar contest awards ceremony, and, in closing, the music of the Turquesa and Sonora Dinamita bands. For more information, visit the VivaLosMuertos2019 page on Facebook.
Day of the Dead Celebrations in Bucerías
Bucerías, the “Place of the Divers,” is one of the Riviera Nayarit’s traditional villages that has a very involved and creative community. This year, locals and the resident community of foreigners have come together to celebrate a Day of the Dead Festival. It includes a complete cultural and artistic program, including a Skeleton Parade and an exhibition of Day of the Dead Altars with their offerings filled with symbols alluding to death.
The celebration begins on Friday, November 1st, at 5:30 pm at Lupita’s, the restaurant in the Refugio del Mar hotel. Children from Manos de Amor and The Migrant School will participate in the festival.
The Skeleton Parade begins at 6:30 pm along the main streets of Bucerías. It departs from the corner of Benito Juárez and Lázaro Cárdenas, following Lázaro Cárdenas all the way to the main plaza in the heart of town.
The celebration continues at 7:15 pm with a show that includes the participation of the International Mariachi, the Tradiciones folkloric ballet, and singer Cheko Ruiz. At the end of the evening there will be an awards ceremony for the winners of the altar contest and a fireworks display.
For more information on the festival in Bucerías visit the Dia de Muertos Facebook page.
