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.
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.
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.
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.
