Day of the Dead shifts into high gear starting this weekend, with things to do and see all over Guadalajara and its various sub-municipalities.
Saturday, October 28, the centro historico will host its first ever Day of the Dead parade, starting at the corner of Calzada Independencia and Avenida Juarez at 4:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to participate, free of charge.
Across town in Tlaquepaque, the Festival de Muertos “Tlacalaca Fest 2017” takes place November 1-5. Traditional altars will be constructed al fresco for all to see, as well as in the Central Cultural El Refugio and Museo Pantaleon Panduro. The Procesion de Novias Catrinas, wherein women in skull makeup and bridal gowns promenade solemnly clutching bouquets of flowers along with their beaus, takes place Thursday, November 2, 6 p.m. Go to tlaquepaque.gob.mx for more information and the full festival schedule.
Altars will also be erected in various downtown museums, including the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, Museo Regional de Guadalajara and Museo de Artes Populares.
Last but not least, the “Feria de Carton y Juguete” market occupying the Parque Morelos is the focal point for all kinds of weird and quirky Day of the Dead related merchandize, including the famous skull candies, as well as toys for children and traditional pan de muerto bread. Anyone interested in building their very own altar to a deceased loved one will find all the essential supplies here.