VELACION

DE LOS ANGELITOS

1 EVENING CULTURAL OBSERVATION $ TBA

"An angel in the book of life wrote down my baby´s birth. Then whistpered, as she closed the book, "too beautiful for earth·"

- Lucy Maud Montgomery

The death of young children is a grief unmatched by any other. The ancients acknowledged this differentiation, and November 1 marks the day families here celebrate and honour the young children and innocents, or virgins.

Velacion de los Angelitos is very special to observe, with vigils varying from quiet and traditional, to outright parties. We never know what to expect, as these vigils change each year, so it will depend on the family hosting us.

Quick Information

START: Morelia & Patzcuaro

FINISH: Morelia & Patzcuaro

DATES: October 31, 2023

GROUP: 10 Adults

DIFFICULTY: Easy

PRICE: $1500 MXN

APPROXIMATE PRICE IN USD: $90

APPROXIMATE PRICE IN CAD: $120

PRICE DETAILS

Photo Gallery

INTRODUCTION

PHOTO GALLERY

Trip Itinerary

Velacion de los Angelitos

October 31, 2023

Departure Location: Morelia & Patzcuaro

Morelia guests: Depart Morelia by 3:30 PM for La Monarca Restaurant in Patzcuaro. Arrive on time to get your drink order in, before the lecture begins.

Patzcuaro guests: Please arrive at the restaurant around 4:30, so you can put your drink order in before the lecture begins.

THE RESTAURANT STAFF WILL NOT BE SERVING DRINKS DURING THE LECTURE, AS IT IS TOO DISTRACTING

Please click on the link below, to learn more about what will be happening during our Altar Gathering (& dinner) at La Monarca Restaurant.

ALTAR GATHERING

Following our Altar Gathering, guests will depart Patzcuaro for a small village, where the locals are preparing for their Velacion de los Angelitos, which is an observation to honour the young children, virgins and innocent souls who have recently passed. Please bring $100 pesos to purchase fruit and candles, as you will construct two special offrendas to bring to the families you visit. Your guides will help you piece everything together.

You will be offered tamales and tequila or mezcal. It is polite to accept these offerings, even if you do not intend on eating them (though we certainly encourage you to try!)

You will depart the small village at around 10:30-11:00 PM. The van will drop Patzcuaro guests off at Estacion, where you can take a taxi home. Morelia guests will then head to the city centro.

FULL ITINERARY

REGIONAL MAP

Getting Here

By Plane

This trip starts and ends in Los Mochis, Sinaloa. Please contact us before you book your flight, so we can assist with flight path and ensure that everyone arrives around the same time.

By Bus

If you live in Mazatlan or nearby, we can assist you with the bus schedule. It takes about 4 hours by bus from Mazatlan to Los Mochis.

GETTING HERE

Tour Considerations

Photographs

Taking Photographs in cemeteries and during celebrations is permitted, but please do not take close-up photographs of the locals without permission. Please refrain from using your flash at night.

La Catrina Costumes

Face-paint is reserved for our Catrina Party, which takes place on October 28, 2023 this year. We do not allow our guests to wear face-paint into the cemeteries, as this is not in adherence with traditional indigenous practices.

It's Rainy Season

Please be prepared for rain. Sturdy footware/boots are recommended as the cemeteries can get extremely slippery when muddy. We recommend rain gear, umbrella, and warm layers.

Children will Trick or Treat

Some indigenous children are now permitted by their parents to dress up like Catrina during Muertos, but this is still not practiced by teenagers, adults or elders. As the parents permit their children to trick-or-treat, guests are welcome to bring candies or pesos for the kids.

Bathrooms Cost Money

Bathrooms cost around 5 pesos to use, and though they are available, they are not in all locations. Please ask your guides for assistance.

CONSIDERATIONS

Price & Inclusions

Price

$1500 MXN includes all van transportation, Lecture with Jaime Herhandez Balderas, 3 Course Menu, and visit the small village with night-time vigils.

Drinks, Drink Tips, and other discretionary tips for your guides are not included. Please bring $100 Pesos to purchase fruit, flowers and candles for the offrendas.