Day of the Dead in the Indigenous Towns of Chiapas

This Day of the Dead tour visits the indigenous Tzotzil communities near San Cristóbal de las Casas during the festival, focusing on the cemeteries and towns of Romerillo, Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula. The listing frames it around the dates: October 31 is for preparations in Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula, day 1 covers the Romerillo and Zinacantán cemeteries and day 2 the towns and cemeteries of Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula.

The Day of the Dead festival is described as a mixture of emotions, with color, joy, sorrow and remembrance appearing each year when the souls of the faithful departed visit the earthly world. It is an indigenous Tzotzil tradition inherited from the Maya ancestors, and the group joins the celebrations at the cemetery with respect.

Romerillo is a Tzotzil community. According to the community's belief, the souls of the deceased arrive on foot to visit their relatives every November 1. Its cemetery sits on a mountain crowned with 22 enormous Tzotzil crosses, and the listing calls the visit very genuine and in some ways a rude experience. The itinerary allows about 120 minutes for this stop.

In Zinacantán the cemetery is decorated with an abundance of flowers, since flower cultivation is one of the town's main activities. At an altitude of 2,700 meters, it offers a beautiful view and a mystical atmosphere. You also visit the church and a local family of artisans to see textiles made on a backstrap loom.

In San Juan Chamula you see ancestral indigenous celebrations at the cemetery and visit the church, where your guide explains the symbolism of the rituals. Along the way, the guide also explains how pre-Hispanic religion merged with Catholicism and what that means for this culture.

The tour includes private transportation, entrances and a Spanish and English speaking guide. Lunch is not included. A private tour is available on request. Service animals are allowed, infants sit on an adult's lap and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels, although it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or travelers with poor cardiovascular health. The listing gives no meeting point, so confirm it with the operator.