Con la tradicional alfombra roja inició este jueves la 14ª edición del Festival Internacional de Cine Fantástico y de Terror “Feratum”, en el Teatro Caltzonzin de la ciudad de Pátzcuaro, que se lleva a cabo desde el año 2012. El evento fue inaugurado por su fundador, Miguel Ángel Marín.
El festival nace en Tlalpujahua Michoacán y fue hasta el año 2020 que pasa su cede oficial a la ciudad de Patzcuaro. Esta celebración debe su nombre a la magnífica obra cinematográfica del cine mudo “NOSFERATU” del director alemán Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau, adaptación de 1922 a la novela de Drácula de Bram Stroker.
El filme inaugural de este festival fue la película mexicana y ópera prima “Seres” del director Sandro Arceo, conocido por su cortometraje “Metamorfosis”.
“Seres” es una película de cine independiente que nos habla de un futuro distópico en México, donde hay una epidemia de soledad en una época tan hiperconectada que alcanza a todas las generaciones. Esta película toca también otros aspectos como la empatía y los lazos invisibles. Esta y otras muchas películas nacionales e internacionales, cortos cinematográficos y homenajes, se estarán presentando durante los tres días que dura el festival, y las ganadoras al final, recibirán el Nosferatu de oro.
Fotografías: créditos FERATUM Film Fest
Este año el festival se inicia con la temática: Monstruos marinos, representados por un ajolote monstruoso, uno de los animales nacionales. Y culmina con la película “Estela” del cineasta y fotógrafo Adrián Araujo, como un homenaje póstumo al director de la cinta quien falleció en el mes de Marzo de este año.
Si eres amante del cine de terror, no te pierdas los distintos trabajos cinematográficos que se están proyectando durante los siguientes días que dure el festival. No te lo puedes perder.
Visiting the Guanajuato Mummies Museum is no ordinary tourist experience. From the moment you enter, you face death… unfiltered. Real mummified bodies, motionless yet still seeming to have stories to tell. What is truly striking is not just seeing the human remains on display, but the way their facial expressions are preserved—sometimes reflecting pain, fear, or resignation. It’s a journey that evokes intense emotions and leaves a lasting impression.
What You Will Find
Currently, there are around 60 mummies on display, although the municipality is known to preserve over 100 in total. The museum is arranged to highlight cases that move visitors due to their history or physical condition. Some of the most notable include:
Remigio Leroy: The first mummified body discovered in Guanajuato in 1865.
The Pregnant Woman: A woman who died during pregnancy; both her body and that of her fetus are exhibited.
The Woman Buried Alive: A woman who was apparently buried alive, according to the evidence observed in her remains.
In addition to the mummified bodies, visitors can see individual skulls on display and a striking section of old photographs of deceased people. At the time, it was common to photograph the dead, especially children, alongside their parents or relatives as a form of farewell and remembrance. This practice is known as post-mortem photography. While it may seem unsettling today, it was once an intimate expression of grief. The museum also features photographs of people both in life and post-mortem.
The museum currently offers optional areas accessible for an additional fee. These zones provide a more in-depth experience for those who want to learn more about the mummification process and other historical aspects of death in Guanajuato.
Recommendations:
Guanajuato city is one of the most visited in Mexico. To avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit the Mummies Museum from Monday to Thursday.
😉 Photography: Cell phone photos are allowed, but flash is not recommended.
🕛 Hours and Admission Fees:
The museum is open every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission Fees (2025):
Adults: $106 MXN
Children, students, and teachers (with valid ID): $62 MXN
Seniors (60+ with proof of age): $32 MXN
Priority admission (digital ticket): $150 MXN
Guanajuato residents: Free
Optional Room: Cult of Death: $20 MXN
⚠️ Warning: This museum is not for everyone. It is not recommended for young children or highly sensitive individuals. Some bodies are displayed with a level of detail that may shock or disturb.
📍 Address: Explanada del Panteón Municipal S/N Although its name associates it with the cemetery, the museum is just an 8-minute drive from Teatro Juárez.
The museums in Morelia are an essential part of the city’s cultural charm. From ancient history to science and daily life, these spaces allow you to explore Michoacán’s past and present through accessible and enriching experiences.
At Descubre Michoacán, we visited some of the most representative museums in Morelia’s historic center, and here we share the ones that truly stand out. It’s not only about their historical or educational value — but also the unique details that make them special: carefully designed lighting, rare original pieces, well-presented traditional costumes, interactive screens, ambient sounds, and layouts that invite you to explore with curiosity. These are museums you enjoy not only for what they tell, but how they tell it.
Museo Regional Michoacano
Located in a Baroque mansion built between 1705 and 1775, the Museo Regional Michoacano “Dr. Nicolás León Calderón” is one of the city’s cultural gems. Once owned by Don Isidro Huarte, this museum has been a reference point since its founding in 1886. It’s the oldest museum in Mexico’s INAH network and preserves archaeological pieces, documents, and objects that narrate Michoacán’s evolution from its first settlements to the Porfiriato era. Inside, you’ll find truly valuable artifacts, beautiful paintings, and detailed oil portraits.
📍 Address: La Corregidora 113, corner of García Obeso, Historic Center 🕘 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 🎟️ Admission: $75 MXN. Free for students, teachers, and seniors with valid ID.
Museo Historia Natural
The Museo de Historia Natural “Manuel Martínez Solórzano” (MUHNA), located inside Bosque Cuauhtémoc, offers an educational experience focused on Michoacán’s biodiversity. It features exhibits on the region’s flora, fauna, and geology, as well as workshops, guided tours, and activities for all ages. Interactive screens, ambient sounds, and visual displays make the visit dynamic and engaging.
Housed in a former Augustinian convent and later the State Congress building, the Museo del Estado de Michoacán has been open since 1986 and focuses on the cultural heritage of Michoacán. One of its highlights is the Botica Mier, a faithful recreation of Morelia’s first pharmacy, displaying over 1,700 restored original pieces since its closure in 1981. The museum also features archaeological artifacts, traditional masks, and an immersive introductory experience.
📍 Address: Guillermo Prieto, corner of Santiago Tapia 🕘 Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 🎟️ Admission: Free
If you enjoy museums in Morelia, remember that the Historic Center of Morelia offers much more to explore — from nighttime legend tours and tram rides to the unmissable Cathedral lighting show. Each experience adds a unique touch to your visit to Morelia, Mexico, one of the most cultural cities in the country.
Museo del Estado de Michoacán
Casa Natal Morelos
The museum features three rooms dedicated to the life and death of General José María Morelos y Pavón. During your visit, you can admire sculptures, oil paintings, letters written by the hero himself, and illustrations of his military campaigns.
One of the main attractions is an animated show starring Morelos himself in a robotic version. The show is free, lasts about 10 minutes, and is highly recommended.
The museum also has a small cinema where classic films are screened, and it is housed in a beautiful colonial mansion with a spacious and lush garden.
📍 Address: Calle Corregidora at the corner of García Obeso. 🕘 Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. 🎟️ Admission: Free. 📸 Photography: Allowed, but flash is not recommended
La cosmovisión de los purépecha nos enseña que la muerte no es un final, sino un reencuentro con los que ya no viven. Según esta tradición, las ofrendas no son un festejo de las ánimas, sino un puente que permite que los espíritus regresen cerca de sus familias. Esta visión sobre la vida y la muerte se refleja de manera simbólica en fenómenos de la naturaleza, como las mariposas blancas que aparecen en octubre y comienzos de noviembre.
Recuerdo que en mi bello pueblo de Turícuaro, mis abuelitos me decían, en tiempos de flores amarillas y hojas secas, cuando las heladas ya se sentían en octubre:
“Mira, hijo, en estas fechas, a mediados de octubre y a finales del mes, vas a empezar a ver muchas mariposas blancas que no verás en ningún otro tiempo, solo en este mes de octubre e iniciando noviembre.
¿Sabes? Esas mariposas son las ánimas que regresan del más allá para visitarnos cerca del Día de Muertos. Regresan en forma de mariposa, y en color blanco, que representa el espíritu y el alma de los que ya murieron.
Nunca debes matar una mariposa, porque si la matas ya no podrá regresar al lugar de donde vino, donde pertenece; se quedará aquí, en este mundo. Ten cuidado, porque son las ánimas de los que ya se fueron.”
Rosa del Carmen Gutiérrez/Descubre Michoacán. Este año, el Palacio Municipal de la ciudad de Morelia Michoacán, ha decidido unirse de manera especial a la celebración de la noche de muertos con una experiencia cultural y al mismo tiempo sensorial llamada “El Palacio de las Catrinas”. Donde se llevarán a cabo distintas, exposiciones, desfiles de catrina, talleres, degustaciones y actividades relacionadas a la tradición del día de muertos, para que los visitantes puedan experimentar la cultura del estado haciendo honor al legendario personaje de la Catrina que es tan representativa de estas celebraciones.
Durante 7 días que comenzaron el 27 de octubre y culminan el 2 de noviembre, cualquiera podrá visitar el Palacio municipal en Allende 403 centro de la ciudad; para poder ser parte de alguno de los eventos programados que podrás consultar en la página de Instagram de la secretaria de turismo: @turismomorelia.mx.
La catrina es un personaje creado por el artista José Guadalupe Posada en el año de 1913, que aparece por primera vez en un periódico que publicaba artículos haciendo una sátira y crítica social a la clase privilegiada de aquel entonces.
La calavera catrina representaba a personas de ascendencia indígena que pretendían ser o verse como europeos, cuando en realidad se estaban muriendo de hambre y se dedicaban a vender garbanzos, por lo cual se le llamó primero la Calavera Garbancera, que hacía referencia a un catrín que vestía elegante pero que estaba en los huesos.
Con los años se fue popularizando hasta llegar a ser un personaje representativo de la noche de muertos. Y el Palacio Municipal queriendo hacer honor a este personaje tan icónico para todos los mexicanos y ahora ya en el extranjero también; engalana sus instalaciones con el tema de las Catrinas de una manera creativa, llena de arte y diseño.
Date la oportunidad de visitar el Palacio de las Catrinas, te sorprenderá el empeño que se le ha puesto a la decoración. No te arrepentirás de ir a tomarte una foto para Instagram.
Day of the Dead in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán is one of the most original and authentic celebrations in the world. With endless colors, exquisite aromas, and an inexplicable mystical aura, cemeteries prepare to welcome both the living and the dead. Families clean and decorate the tombs with marigolds, candles, and copal, carefully placing the traditional offering on the altar of their deceased loved ones.
Our Experience
Below, we share the places we have visited over the years. This allows us to give a real and honest opinion based on our experience at each of these sites in Michoacán.
Tzurumútaro Cemetery
Recommended
If you travel from Morelia via the road to Pátzcuaro, Tzurumútaro Cemetery is the first stop before entering the lake area. This cemetery welcomes hundreds of visitors with vibrant colors. The number of lit candles and the burning of copal make the Day of the Dead in Pátzcuaro truly unique.
Parking and Access:
Being located along the main road, the area is spacious, so free parking is easy to find. Walking access is comfortable and simple.
Places to Eat: Next to the cemetery is Gran Tariacuri – Carnitas Carmelo restaurant. A bit further away: Restaurant Campestre Don Prisci.
dia de muertos
Tzintzuntzan Cemetery
Recommended
Here, the magic of the Night of the Dead overflows. The altars are truly beautiful, and families go all out to honor the deceased and impress tourists. Locals invest a lot of time and resources in beautifying the tombs. If you want to marvel at altar designs and the variety of offerings, this is the place to be. There are two cemeteries here; originally, it may have been a single area divided by the current road.
Note:
Access can become difficult at night due to heavy traffic. It is recommended to arrive via the Quiroga–Tzintzuntzan road.
Parking:
Free spots are limited and usually occupied; paid parking starts at 80 MXN per night with no time limit.
Places to Eat:
There are several pizzerias, small restaurants, and street stalls in the area.
Suggestion:
If you visit during the day, check out the Ex Convento de Santa Ana.
day of the dead Tzintzuntzan
Pacanda Island
The second most visited island after Janitzio. Pacanda hosts an interesting festival of traditional dances that lasts until 3 a.m. The ceremony here is very different from other sites, making it a good option to visit.
Important:
If your plan is to only visit the cemetery, note that before 3 a.m., you probably won’t see much. At the end of the festival, locals walk in procession with lit candles to the cemetery, which is when the full experience begins. You can enter earlier, but activity will be minimal.
How to Get There:
To reach Pacanda or Yunuén, head to one of the alternative docks or ask for Ucazanaztacua Dock. Most routes go Yunuén → Pacanda → Janitzio.
Places to Eat:
Two or three makeshift food stalls near wood fires offer quesadillas and corn esquites, creating an authentic and traditional atmosphere.
Pacanda island
Yunuén Island
The quietest and least crowded island during the Night of Souls. Over the years, locals have opened up to tourism and are now better prepared to receive visitors. Here you’ll find a small, simple cemetery with a few decorated tombs.
Cucuchucho Cemetery
Recommended
This area is home to artisans specializing in chuspata (also known as tule). Cucuchucho Cemetery, over time, has become one of the favorite sites for tourists.
The place captivates with its mystical atmosphere. Community members prepare beautiful altars with offerings in baskets with embroidered napkins, gathering around a small bonfire to welcome the deceased and share family time.
Recommendation:
Visit at night, not earlier.
Parking: The cemetery is along the road; finding a spot is relatively easy, though access can get congested at the main entrance.
Places to Eat: Few options on-site, but nearby families set up traditional Mexican snacks such as quesadillas, sopes, atole, and coffee for visitors. Sanitary facilities are also available.
Arócutin Cemetery
Our Favorite Possibly one of the simplest yet most interesting cemeteries. Graves are mounds of earth at the foot of the Santa María Natividad temple, whose bells ring throughout the celebration.
Recommendation:
The site is not well signposted, and the area is very dark.
Parking: Streets are narrow with steep slopes, but finding free parking is relatively easy.
Janitzio Island
The must-visit destination for tourists. Boarding a somewhat rickety boat and crossing the foggy lake at night to reach the island is a unique experience. Simple tombs are arranged in steps leading to a small chapel with a generous altar. Sunrise photos with the lake in the background are incredible.
Places to Eat: Several small traditional family restaurants offer a variety of dishes, mainly seafood and fish: trout, breaded fillets, and other local specialties.
Santa Fe de la Laguna
A special place that preserves its identity and style. It inspired Disney’s Coco. This is where María Salud Ramírez, better known as “Mamá Coco,” lived until her passing on October 16, 2022.
Places to Eat: The town is quite populated; around the main square, you’ll find a little of everything.
Ihuatzio Cemetery
A discreet and quiet cemetery, perhaps not very striking, though the main entrance is usually beautiful.
Parking: Limited street parking near the cemetery, narrow streets.
Places to Eat: A few small traditional restaurants near the cemetery entrance.
Puácuaro Cemetery
Recommended
Although small and simple, it looks spectacular at night. Views from outside are beautiful, surrounded by a wall. Tombs are decorated with candles, marigolds, bread, pumpkin, mole, rice, favorite drinks, and baskets with embroidered napkins.
Note: The place is still little-visited by tourists, ideal for those seeking quieter locations.
Parking: The street leading to the cemetery is closed to traffic.
Purenchécuaro Cemetery
Ideal for adventurous visitors who already know other cemeteries. The San Gerónimo Purenchécuaro Cemetery is well-maintained with an elegant entrance and a chapel at the back. The celebration here is more modern and simple.
Parking: No issues.
Places to Eat: Street stalls, many options.
San Andrés Tziróndaro
Not Recommended On our visit (November 1st), after other destinations, we found the cemetery closed. The area is very dark with no lighting.
Morelia
Finally, the pink stone capital offers many ways to enjoy this tradition. The historic center dresses up for the occasion. The altar competition on the Calzada is highly recommended.
