To counteract risks to public health due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chapala government will prohibit entry to all local cemeteries on Monday, November 2, Mexico’s Día de Muertos.
The measure applies to the panteones municipales located in Ajijic, San Antonio Tlayacapan, Chapala, Santa Cruz de la Soledad, San Nicolás de Ibarra and Atotonilquillo.
Inhabitants accustomed to refurbishing, adorning and visiting the tombs of their dearly departed will have to program these activities before or after the principal date for Day of the Dead commemorations.
Graveyards situated in lakeshore villages within the boundaries of Poncitlán, including San Juan Tecomatlán, Tlachichilco del Carmen, Mezcala de la Asunción and San Pedro Itzican, will be subject to similar restrictions November 1 and 2.
Central to long-held lakeside traditions in remembrance of the dead are graveside gatherings where families feast, party and pray in tribute to departed souls. November 1 is set aside for angelitos, the innocent ones who died as babies and infants. November 2 is dedicated to departed adults. This year los campos santos (sacred grounds) will be veiled in eerie silence on those days.