There is always a surprise on Pátzcuaro’s Plaza Grande.![]()
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Night of the Dead
In the Lake Pátzcuaro region, Noche de Muertos / Night of the Dead is observed on the night from November 1 to 2. The ritual is steeped in the beliefs and traditions of the indigenous Purhépecha. Most of Mexico observes Day of the Dead. A visit at night to the cemeteries of the pueblos around the lake is a poignant experience of sight, sound and scent.
Night of the Dead slideshow on Flickr.
About Night of the Dead.
A quiet villa in Pátzcuaro.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Altars and Offerings
Altars and offerings for Noche de Muertos / Night of the Dead have been set up in many in public and private places, an integral part of the rituals that precede November 1st and 2nd in the Lake Pátzcuaro region.
More about Altars & Offerings.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Las Flores –The Flowers
The flowers (zempasúcitl / marigolds) and their fragrance fill Calle Serrato next to the Basílica. Don’t miss a stroll along this street where people go to buy flowers for Night of the Dead / Noche de Muertos. The flowers will be used for decorations, altars and at the cemeteries.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Folk Art on the Plaza Grande
The tianguis were up yesterday on Plaza Vasco de Quiroga and during the night wares streamed in with the artesans and vendors. The plaza should be in full swing today presaging observance of Noche de Muertos/Night of the Dead.
The two biggest celebrations in Pátzcuaro are Semana Santa and Noche de Muertos. It is an indulgence to peruse and enjoy arts and crafts from all over Michoacán—and beyond—gathered in one place.
Typical Tianguis on Plaza Grande
See Callejón del Sol, just two blocks from Plaza Grande.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Harbingers of Noche de Muertos
Night of the Dead will soon be here. The earliest harbingers are the confections, los dulces, which have just appeared on Plaza Vasco de Quiroga.
We sit under the portal. Sugar and chocolate skulls fix on us with vacuous eyes from their display tables. Deep in their conversations, local warlocks congregate thickly at tables of six and eight, elbow to elbow with the sweet and bedecked skeletons and bones. Few women are here this evening at 7:00 PM.
Sweets for the Night of the Dead
Near Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Rest in Peace – Que en Paz Descanse
Mexicans mock death with the unique catrinas, skulls and skeletons so often featured in folk art. These tombstones make a good complement.
(Photographer unknown)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Noche de Muertos 2010–#11
Pilgrimage on Horseback
On November 1, 50 riders set out from Morelia on horseback to make a pilgrimage to Pátzcuaro. Every year the pilgrimage keeps gathering riders from pueblos along the way, until they finally number from 600 to 1,000 on arrival at the Plaza de la Basílica. This massive procession on horseback pays homage to Nuestra Señora de la Salud, who is venerated at the Pátzcuaro Basílica.
The ride started in the dark at 5:00 AM and the caballeros and caballeras starting arriving in streams at 5:00 PM at the Plaza. In the fading light, the earthy smell of the horses permeated the air, while the occasional clatter of restless hooves, the snorts of horses pulling at their tethers and their nickers punctuated the burble of satisfied conversations.
This year no horses were permitted to enter the small courtyard area adjacent to the Basílica or the edifice itself because of restored paving and flooring. Mass was held to the jingle of spurs as those who were standing occasionally shifted their weight from foot to foot.
See a series of posts on Night of the Dead in Patzcuaro.
Patzcuaro bound?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Noche de Muertos 2010 – #10
A Walk through the Tianguis
Here is just a sampling of the folk art and craft ware on display on the the Plaza Grande today.






















































