DAY OF THE DEAD IN OAXACA

TOURS

Every year the CASA ARNEL , under the care of its hosts, arranges excursions for guests to a number of "Day of the Dead" fiestas that take place in the environs of Oaxaca City. Your participation in the Day of the Dead fiestas helps keep these traditions alive, and above all, authentic.

October 31, XOXO

Departure: 18:00 Return: 22:00 Cost $30 usd

Including: Transportation, English speaking guide, Flowers, Candles, Mezcal.

Our first visit, for which we will bring flowers and offering candles, is to one of the oldest towns of the Valley of Oaxaca, Xoxocotlán, located 6 km. from the city. It is here that we will visit the tombs of the old and new cemeteries, festooned with offerings of flowers and candles brought by the town’s inhabitants. Here at family grave sites, familiesspend part or all of the night recalling with a mixture of nostalgia and fond remembrance their departed loved ones, making it a special time and place for those of us that have the opportunity to witness and experience the event.

November 1, ETLA

Departure: 17:00 Return: 21:00 Cost $35 usd

Including: Transportation, English speaking guide, Mezcal, Tamales, Coffee and Bread.

This evening we will visit one of the villages located in the Etla Valley 15 km. from the city and join in La Comparsa fiesta. This festival is celebrated in each of the village’s neighborhood by young people who dress up as doctors, widowers, priests, grandfathers and grandmothers, devils, witches and skeletons. They make their way from the cemetery dancing and playing wood-wind instruments and collecting offerings of chocolate, bread and fruits for the dead from the houses they pass. At a pre-determined spot, the revellers break stride and launch into a brief street-theatre kind of presentation in which Life makes fun of Death

November 2, SAN FELIPE

Departure: 18:00 Return: 21:00 Cost $25 usd

Including: Transportation, English speaking guide, Flowers, Candles and Mezcal.

For those that may not have visited Xoxo, the Panteón de San Felipe is another example of the celebrations that are carried out in Oaxaca’s cemeteries. In this small town the inhabitants choose to spend the night with their dear departed ones in the cemetery bringing with them flowers and candles to adorn the graves. This gives the cemetery as a whole an air of joy and gaiety not found here during the rest of the year. Thus the cemetery is transformed on this night into a place of popular fiesta.

Please call for reservations: (951)515-2856
E-Mail: casa.arnel@spersaoaxaca.com.mx