Beyond the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) programs lined up in Chapala and Ajijic (as reported in last week’s edition of this newspaper), Reporter readers may be interested in experiencing some of the multiple special activities that will be going on in other nearby communities.
San Juan Cosalá
The residents of San Juan Cosalá join forces weeks ahead of the holiday to prepare the elements for what rates as lakeside’s largest Day of the Dead memorial altar, mounted in the bandstand (kiosko) on the plaza. The monumental display will be decorated with 10,000 flores de cempasuchil (marigolds) handmade out of crepe paper, 5,000 natural blossoms of the golden flower, and five giant papier maché skulls painted in vibrant colors set up around the base , together with dozens of votive candles inscribed with the names of local people who rest in their graves.
The stunning offering is dedicated to the legendary “La Vieja Machi” spirit of the lake. It will be illuminated at nightfall, around 6:45 p.m., on Monday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 2. The Paseo de las Ánimas (All Souls Parade), featuring ritual dancers and traditional music, is incorporated in the program.
Jocotepec
¡Qué Viva la Muerte! (Long Live Death) is the tongue-in-cheek title of Jocotepec’s six-day cultural festival. It starts Friday, October 29, noon, with the inauguration of decorations and installations at the central plaza. Saturday, October 30, 7 p.m., sees the opening of the Renegados del Arte at the Casa de Cultura, an exhibit of works by local artists Eduardo Xilonzochitl and Chile de Joco. On Sunday, October 31, 8 p.m., renowned singer-composer Paco Padilla appears in concert at the plaza. Monday, November, 5:30 p.m., the Mariachi San Francisco Jocotepec performs at the plaza. Tuesday, November 2, 6 p.m., there will be a reading of the Luis Jara short story “Hoja Verde, Homage to the Fallen.” Finally, Wednesday, November 3, 7:30 p.m., a free screening of the Disney animated feature film “Coco¨ (Spanish dialogue) is scheduled at the Casa de Cultura.
San Antonio Tlayacapan
Local children participated in a two-day craft workshop this week to learn the traditional technique of cartonería to make holiday skulls out of cardboard. The calaveras will be put on display as part of a giant community memorial altar de muertos (altar to the dead) that will be set up Tuesday, November 2, on the plaza.
Villagers will contribute to the project by bringing out photos, personal belongings, favorite foods and drinks, flowers and candles in remembrance of lost loved ones.