Festival Vivan Los Muertos: Honoring Our Passed Loved Ones

Mexico’s connection to death is ancient, dating back long before the Spanish arrived. The Aztecs, for example, worshipped Mictēcacihuātl, the Queen of the Underworld, who protected the remains of the deceased. They viewed death not as an end, but as a continuation—part of the natural flow of existence. The dead were believed to embark on a journey through the nine levels of Chicunamictlan, the underworld. To support their passage, the living created altars, offering food, drink, and keepsakes, not out of sorrow but as an act of reverence, ensuring their loved ones’ safe travel into the afterlife.

As centuries passed, these customs intertwined with new influences, such as Catholicism and European traditions like All Hallows’ Eve, evolving into what we now know as Dia de Los Muertos. But while it may seem superficially similar to Halloween, Mexico’s tradition is worlds apart. Dia de Los Muertos isn’t about fear or the macabre; it’s a joyful celebration of life, embracing death as part of that cycle. Every element of the celebration is rich in meaning, from the brilliant marigolds, or cempasuchil, that blanket the altars to the intricately designed offerings. The Mexica people once saw these flowers as symbols of life and death, and they remain a powerful presence in today’s ofrendas.

We in Sayulita celebrate and honor this lively tradition with our yearly international Festival Vivan Los Muertos! We are so excited for this years festival as the whole town has been preparing all year and we have received more government support than ever. Expect many wonderful activities, decorations and don’t miss out on the Caminata al Panteon (the walk to the cemetery), which is at midnight and starts in the plaza. You can find all of this information here, on the festivals facebook page. Make sure to stay tuned and read our next Sayulero for a recap of the festivities!