Sayulita Life’s Yearly $5,000 Dia de Los Muertos Donation Goes To Best Altar!
Wow, what a beautiful festival we had this year! We at Sayulita Life were so excited to give our yearly donation to Best Altar this year, a significant tradition we love to support. An altar for Día de los Muertos is a labor of love—a way of inviting family members who have passed to return, if only for a night. Every object placed on the altar tells a story. A photograph captures a smile, a favorite food stirs memories of shared meals, and marigold petals mark a path to guide them home. Candles are lit to illuminate the way to welcome their spirits. Building an altar is an intimate act, a way for families to share their memories, to honor those who came before, and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. This years winner was the Damian Carmona School, our local public school! They made a beautiful altar that you can scroll down to see at the bottom of the article.
We interviewed Hugo Ruiz Rodriguez, one of the main organizers of the Festival and a true Sayulita local, for some insight on this beautiful Sayulita tradition.
Name:
Hugo Ruiz Rodríguez
Age:
44 years old
Where were you born?
I was born in Magdalena, Jalisco.
Where do you live?
I’ve lived in Sayulita my whole life.
How long have you been involved in the festival?
I’ve been participating in the festival for 12 years now.
What does the Día de Muertos tradition mean to you?
Día de Muertos holds a very special place in my heart. It’s a way for me to keep the memories of those I’ve lost alive, to feel their presence again, if only for a little while. The festival is much more than a ritual—it’s a way of honoring and connecting with the people who shaped us.
How did you become involved in this event?
My journey with the festival began with an invitation from one of the founders, my dear friend Belén Sandoval. She opened my eyes to the emotional depth and meaning behind the ofrendas, sharing her experiences and showing me the beauty of celebrating our ancestors in this unique way.
What is your favorite part of the celebration?
For me, the most powerful moment is the walk to the cemetery. There’s something deeply moving about it—the image of the Catrina leading the way, the flickering torches lighting our path, the sound of the crowd singing together, and the mariachi music weaving through it all. And then, at the cemetery entrance, we’re met by our friend Marlo and his team, who never fail to surprise us with stunning decorations, fireworks, and live music that make the night even more magical.
Why is preserving the cemetery important to you?
The cemetery isn’t just a backdrop for the celebration; it’s a sacred place that holds the history and essence of our community. It’s the resting place of our ancestors, and by caring for it, we honor the lives and legacies of those who came before us. Keeping it well-preserved is essential not only for the festival but for the town’s identity as a whole.
How can tourists participate in the festivities?
Visitors are welcome to join us when we’re setting up the decorations in the plaza; they can lend a hand, meet the team, and truly be part of the process. During the festival, they can enjoy our three days of cultural programming, immerse themselves in the atmosphere, and respectfully appreciate our decorations and traditions.
What are the main activities of the festival?
The festival’s biggest highlights include:
- The grand opening parade
- The walk to the cemetery
- The altar and Catrina contests
How does the town prepare for the event?
Preparation starts early, with the community coming together to gather materials and secure sponsorships through our festival’s official page. As our plans take shape, more people get involved from their own homes, making decorations and contributing to the creative process. It’s a collective effort that brings everyone closer together.
How can people contribute?
People can offer support either financially or by donating materials, always coordinated through the official Día de Muertos page.
Do you have a favorite memory from the festival?
One of my most cherished memories is from 2019 when we dedicated the celebration to all the women who lost their battle with cancer. That year, we created 16,000 “Ojos de Dios” (God’s Eyes), each one made by the hands of local families who poured their time and love into the decorations. The sky was filled with these vibrant symbols, and we also had the honor of hearing from women who survived cancer—true warriors who shared their stories with us. It was a deeply moving tribute, and one that I’ll always carry with me.
