Tzintzuntzán Celebrates Day of the Dead

Tzintzuntzán Celebrates Day of the Dead

Located in the north of Michoacán and 53km from the capital of Morelia, the beautiful city of Tzintzuntzán is a place everyone should visit.  Tzintzuntzán, meaning “place of the hummingbirds,” is known for its festivals, including Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Festival of Señor del Rascate.  Moreover, this extraordinary city has many unique and interesting monuments and attractions, making it well worth the travel.

Every year, people from all over the region celebrate Día de los Muertos in Tzintzuntzán.  This holiday has been observed for centuries and was a major celebration for the indigenous people, the Purépecha.  As October comes to an end, the festivities begin.  Families start building private altars, picking marigolds, and preparing food for their departed loved ones.

Aside from the holiday, Tzintzuntzán has a number of tourist attractions.  A few of the things that should be on everyone’s to-do list are Yácatas, the former monastery complex of San Francisco, the Ex Convent of Santa Ana, and the outdoor market.  Yácatas is an archaeological site that consists of five pyramids and has a breath-taking view of Lake Pátzcuaro.  The former monastery complex of San Francisco is the main attraction of the town and contains two chapels, a large atrium that has a 500 year old olive grove, the Church of San Francisco, and the Church of La Soledad.  Located near the olive grove, the Ex Convent of Santa Ana is a historical monument that has been restored where religious art and murals can be viewed there.  One of the jewels of the town is the outdoor market.  Known for its handcrafts, the town is most vibrant on the weekends where vendors sell woven tule, high-end ceramics, rustic wood furniture, and items woven from straw.