Tour Description: Residents of San Antonino decorate their graves and keep vigil on 3 November, days after surrounding villages. They are clear that their difuntos (departed ancestors) want it this way, so that the village can supply surrounding villages with flowers for decorating their altars and the graves and tombs in their panteons. Then, when the village can attend to their own cemetery, they use flowers to make elaborate designs using the fresh and dried flowers for which they are known. Only when that work is done, do the ancestors return.

There are puestos (tables and kiosks) lining the road up to the entrance to the cemetery. These sell food, embroidered goods, and other crafts. Participants will have time to browse, buy food for lunch, and wander through the puestos thus supporting the local economy.

The highlight is spending time browsing and people watching in the cemetary, where families create fantastic flower art on the departed's graves. sand and soil are built up into a sloped rectangular shape, and families spend hours designing and decorating the graves of their loved ones. People are friendly and you are welcome to ask questions and take pictures (respectfully). The coxcomb competition is also a highlight.

We will head back into the city and enjoy lunch on the way back to the OLL.

Special considerations: Walking in the cemetary is sometimes a little delicate, strudy shoes are a good idea. Bring small bills for buying food and snacks. If you are in the market for an embroidered blouse, a special textile from this village, prices run around $2500 pesos and vendors may not take cards.

Additional Costs:  

This tour will depart on time from Calle Los Libres behind the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Unclaimed seats may be re-sold at boarding time.

If this tour is sold out, you can take a chance that seats may be available and come to the boarding spot 15 minutes before departure. These seats must be paid for in cash.

No Refunds will be available. If you are not able to attend the event, you are welcome to sell your reservation to others. Please notify the library of change of name for reservation.