Noche de Muertos is the climax of our tour, and often the only thing many visitors to our region come for.  We do not advertise our route out of respect for the families who invite us into their homes and give us permission to visit their cemeteries.  We work with many families throughout the year for art collection tours, so are very honoured and grateful to have the opportunity to share these traditions with our guests.  This experience is far from the tourist route and is a personal, intimate and touching experience that will continue to move you as you process all that you have actually been permitted to experience with these families and their communities.

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By comparison, some tour agencies bring 400 guests between 10 charter buses, descending on cemeteries without knowing anyone there, without following traditional protocols for invitation or permission, and without leaving anything behind for the communities who own these traditions.  This is a relationship of taking without giving back, whereas our guests engage in a reciprocal exchange that is respectful and meaningful for everyone involved.

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We have had some feedback about the music performed by the children, as they are elementary age kids and not professional musicians.  The community has reduced the length of time for our performance over the years, but we also ask you to consider the fact that this remote community has invited us as guests of honour and this is one of few opportunities their children have to share their traditions, to perform for visitors and to honour their culture through sharing.  This part of our night tour really is about investing in these children and showing them that we care just as much as their own parents and grandparents care.  This is part of us investing in their future and sending them a message that their culture matters and holds an important place in their future and our memories.  When the children perform, please consider their performance as though they were your own....

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For those who were on tour with us, I want to remind you of the recibiementos we attended. The first was for Dona Maria, who passed away about 2 weeks after her son Salvador (Chava).  The second vigil was by Señora Erica for her mother, who was a school teacher. This was the altar that stretched from the door to the back of her home, with photos of her mother at various ages, many with packages of her favourite cigarettes.  The third home had an altar for Salvador (Chava), who was the son of Dona Maria and a celebrated musician.  Please message me if you have any other questions about our tour and where we were.  Thank you or NOT using specific hashtags for our locations on your social media, and for being incredible guests during our observations!