For the first time, Guadalajara’s city center will host an official Dia de los Muertos parade at the beginning of November. Not one to let the opportunity to make a good first impression slip by, the city will show off its population of Xoloitzcuintles.
While catrinas and calaveras are instantly recognizable iconography of the Day of the Dead, less well-known is the connection with the species of hairless dog commonly referred to as the “Xolo.”
Long regarded as guardians and protectors, the indigenous peoples believed that the Xolo would safeguard the home from evil spirits as well as intruders. In ancient times the Xolos were often sacrificed and then buried with their owners to act as guide to the soul on its journey to the underworld.
Guadalajara will join Tlaquepaque by putting on a Dia de los Muertos parade, and Xoloitzcuintle owners who would like to participate may register themselves and their animals via the website, desfiledemascotasguadalajara.com.