I’m a bit overstimulated after being here more than a week. Every evening, something is going on and crowds grow so large, it is difficult to move about. As the week neared the end and the Dia de los Muertos, tourist crowds grew even more.
Nothing personal but Oaxaca is a different city and a different energy before the tourist show up. I’ve heard several other people at different hostels make the same reference. Tourist tend to be in packs, a bit unconscious and teetering on the verge of being rude. A young couple was here and I never saw them say hello to anyone?
Yet, it’s been an amazing experience and I can see why people come back every year for it!
October 31st was the first big cemetery event in Xoxocotlan. I went out in the afternoon when it was quiet, took some pictures in the daylight and returned later. At night, it was difficult to move!
So now, I’m going to post some photo’s to give you a sense of what I’ve experiences. Every area is different! Last night, I walked through a neighborhood with candles lining the sides of the cobblestone street. Homes were open with personal altars on display. Trays of hot chocolate, mezcal, and pan de muerto were shared with everyone walking by.
Different musical groups played in the church yard. A line of over one hundred people formed to receive some hot chocolate from the huge vats being readied.
What was different last night, the actual Dia de los Muertos here, was there were a lot more drunks. Some people celebrate the Spirit of their loved ones, others use it as an opportunity to get hammered. I nearly got pushed out of the door of a store by a group of young drunk Mexican lads.
From the children event: 
They put an enormous amount of effort into festivities this week. It really is a celebration of life! Here are a few examples of wall mural art I’ve seen in villages around here.
The Catarina is a skeletal image representing the spirit of deceased family on the other side. In death, individuals enjoy the same things they did here in life. The personal altars reflect that with the type of items added.
And here are a few images of Oaxaca including some chocolate being processed. There is even a really awesome set of “fancy pants” Nancy!!
I’ve really enjoyed my time here! In two days, I leave for Mexico City and my next adventure.
