In November, Puerto Escondido lights up with vibrant colors, music, and cultural events during the Fiestas de Noviembre. This month-long festival showcases Mexico’s rich heritage, and one of the most revered and colorful celebrations is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Recognized by UNESCO, this tradition is celebrated across Mexico, with Puerto Escondido bringing its own blend of customs and rituals that deeply honor the departed.

1. The Heart of the Celebration: Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos is a time when the people of Puerto Escondido and throughout Mexico honor and remember their loved ones who have passed away. Celebrations begin on October 31 and continue through November 2, marking a period of reverence filled with symbolic food, music, and vibrant decorations.

Celebration Details:

• October 31 – Night of the Little Angels: The first night is dedicated to children who have passed away, known as angelitos. Families prepare small altars in their homes with sweets and candles to welcome their spirits.
• November 1 – Día de los Angelitos: The following day, families enjoy a breakfast dedicated to the souls of departed children. In cemeteries and homes, altars are decorated with colorful adornments, food, and candles.
• November 2 – Día de los Muertos: This final day focuses on the adults. Families create elaborate altars and offer the deceased their favorite foods and drinks. Cemeteries become gathering places filled with flowers and candles, transforming these sites into spaces of color and light.

2. Altars: Guiding the Spirits Home

One of the most recognizable parts of Día de los Muertos is the altar, or ofrenda, created to welcome the spirits of the departed. The people of Puerto Escondido construct altars in their homes or community spaces, often made up of several layers symbolizing the soul’s journey. A traditional seven-tiered altar is common and is thought to represent the steps a soul must take to reach eternal rest.

 

 

Elements on Día de los Muertos Altars:

• Photographs and Personal Items: A photo of the deceased along with personal belongings is placed at the top as a tribute.
• Sugar Skulls (Calaveras): These sweet skull-shaped candies represent death and the deceased, often with names written on them to honor specific individuals.
• Cempasúchil Flowers: Marigold petals are scattered along pathways and around altars to guide spirits with their bright colors and fragrance.
• Candles: These are lit as beacons, symbolizing light and remembrance.
• Papel Picado: This delicately cut paper represents the fragile boundary between life and death.
• Copal and Incense: Burning incense symbolizes the transition from the earthly to the spiritual world.
• Food and Beverages: Dishes like pan de muerto (Day of the Dead bread), the deceased’s favorite meals, and drinks such as tequila or beer are added to satisfy the spirits after their journey.

3. Celebrating in Puerto Escondido: From Altars to Cemetery Gatherings

In Puerto Escondido, Día de los Muertos is celebrated both privately at home and publicly with cemetery gatherings. On the evening of November 2, families visit cemeteries to honor their loved ones by decorating graves with marigold petals, candles, and offerings. The entire cemetery becomes a vibrant place filled with light and color, transforming it into a festive space where the dead are warmly remembered.

4. Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca: A Rich Tradition Rooted in History

For an immersive experience, nearby Oaxaca City is one of the most vibrant places in Mexico to celebrate Día de los Muertos. This celebration draws from ancient Zapotec and Mixtec traditions, deeply rooted in Oaxaca’s cultural heritage. Highlights of the festival include:

 

• Comparsas (Parades): These processions fill the streets with people dressed as calaveras (skulls), donning traditional costumes and face paint, symbolizing a joyful acceptance of life and death.
• Cemetery Gatherings: On October 31, families gather at cemeteries, creating elaborate altars on graves and sharing stories, food, and music in a show of love and remembrance.
• Night of the Souls (Noche de Ánimas): On November 1, families honor the spirits of deceased children with night vigils and ceremonies.
• Benito Juárez Market: During the celebrations, this market is bustling with stalls selling traditional foods, including pan de muerto and figurines for altar decorations.

5. Essential Tips for Experiencing Día de los Muertos in Puerto Escondido

To fully enjoy this unique celebration, consider these tips:

• Plan for Crowds and Evening Travel: November is a busy season, so it’s best to arrive early at events and allow extra time for travel.
• Dress Comfortably: Bring light clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent for cemetery visits and other outdoor activities.
• Prepare for Noise and Festivities: The festival can get lively, especially in areas like Zicatela Beach. Earplugs may be helpful if you’re sensitive to noise.

6. Other Fiestas de Noviembre Events to Enjoy

Día de los Muertos marks the beginning of a month filled with cultural and sporting events in Puerto Escondido:

• Festival Costeño de la Danza (November 16-17): Enjoy traditional Oaxacan dances at the municipal plaza in San Pedro Mixtepec.
• Sport Fishing Tournament (November 22-24): Witness or participate in a fishing competition at Playa Principal, where catches like sailfish are the prize.
• Guelaguetza del Mar (November 23): This unique event celebrates the ocean’s importance to coastal communities with parades and traditional dances on Zicatela Beach.
• International Surf Competition (November 29-30): Zicatela’s waves attract top surfers from around the world in an impressive display of talent and dedication.

Día de los Muertos in Puerto Escondido offers an immersive experience in Oaxacan culture, filled with color, respect, and joy for life and memory. Through altars, parades, and gatherings, you’ll discover a deeply meaningful side of Mexico. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual significance, the beauty of the altars, or the vibrant festival atmosphere, November is the perfect time to explore and honor the heart of Mexican traditions in Puerto Escondido.

Ready to experience the magic of Día de los Muertos in Puerto Escondido? Book your stay, charge your camera, and dive into this unforgettable celebration!