DAY OF THE DEAD TRADITIONS WITH CLAY ARTISAN FAMILIES - SANTA MARÍA ATZOMPA

Guided Experience 4 km/ Fitness level: Easy / Group Size: Up to 12 people

WHAT YOU’LL DO

“While we live in the hearts of those we leave behind on Earth, we are immortal.”

Join us in a Día de Muertos experience that connects you with a local family from an indigenous community, where you can live the ancestral traditions of Oaxaca. Far from the glamour of Día de Muertos festivities in the city center, each community celebrates their deceased ancestors through distinct traditions, but the general spirit of this celebration remains the same. We await the return of the souls of our loved ones, who embark on their journey to the land of the living to spend time with their families. Our ancestors return to enjoy all their favorite foods and drinks, which are placed on family altars in their honor.

During Día de Muertos, the Zapotec people venerate the god Pitao Bezelao, associated with the underworld, while the Aztec people honor Mictlantehcutli, the ruler of Mictlán. Your guide will encourage you to reflect on these deities to gain a deeper understanding of Mesoamerican cosmology.

In the community of Santa María Atzompa, located in the mountains of the Central Valley of Oaxaca, we will explore the remnants of Zapotec culture, delving into their relationship with death and the impacts of the Spanish conquest. We will see how the conquest influenced traditions and rituals, forming a syncretism that merges Catholic beliefs with ancestral ones. We will live this syncretic present with a family of local artisans, who will open the doors of their home during this sacred time to share their stories. Finally, we will visit the municipal cemetery, where we will continue the celebration among flowers and candles.

For the local inhabitants, the gates of the underworld open at midnight on October 31st and close on November 2nd. Throughout our trip to Atzompa, the spirits of the dead will be among us.

We will begin with a visit to the “Zapotec Ancestors” at the Atzompa archaeological site, related to the ancient city of Monte Albán, to learn about how the Zapotecs conceived life and death. We will discuss their beliefs, deities, and most essential rituals.

Next, we will head to our host family’s home. Atzompa, known for its pottery skills, will welcome us with open arms. The artisans will share their family customs with us, and we will enjoy a delicious dinner while we remember our ancestors.

Finally, we will head to the municipal cemetery, a unique space where families honor their ancestors and spend time with the spirits who have returned to the land of the living.

We are deeply grateful to all the travelers who decide to join us in this intimate experience, as well as to our collaborators in the indigenous communities of Oaxaca, who kindly share their customs and family altars during this sacred time. We hope this experience helps you reconceptualize death and celebrate the life of your loved ones, always cherishing the days when they visit us in the land of the living.

PRICING

$3,000 MXN per person

 

IMPORTANT:

Experience our rich culture through engaging activities, traditional dishes, and heartfelt connections. This is not a show, but a chance to share in the essence of our pre-Hispanic traditions.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

ACTIVITY ADVISORY

Outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).

Atzompa Oaxaca Dia de Muertos itinerary

ITINERARY:

16:20 Meet at Coyote Aventuras Office
16:30 Transfer to Santa María Atzompa archaeological site
18:10 Conversations about day of the dead + Sunset appretiation
19:00 Transfer to the home of our hosts
20:00 Reception at the home of the family of clay artisans: Creating our altar + Offerings + Drinks + a Sacred ritual
20:30 Dinner next to the altar
23:00 Atzompa Cemetery visit
00:30 Transfer to Oaxaca City
01:00 Arrival in Oaxaca City

Atzompa whats included

WHATS INCLUDED:

– Guides
– Transportation
– Drinks: water, coffee, tea, beer, juice, sparkling water
– Lunch: Vegetable soup, tlayudas, beef or chicken and refreshments
– Snacks: trail mix, fruits, churritos (crunchy-corn snack)
– Fees for community-based tourism development
*Vegan and vegetarian options available

Atzompa Oaxaca Dia de Muertos notes

NOTES:

– Make this a private tour for your friends and family!
– Don’t see your desired date available? Please contact us! We will do our best to make special arrangements for you!
– Please, check out the local weather conditions and come prepared for the tour.

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¡VAMOS!