🛶 Janitzio & Patzcuaro

"Write a trip story."

On November 1, 2017. It seemed like a cold morning of autumn; the wind was not working that day; the sun slept a bit more; the moon drank some beers the previous night; Snoopy, the dog, was in his fifth dream; and we were ready to take the bus. 

    My brother Elias and I had one goal. We desired to experience one of the most epic holidays of the year in the correct spot. We were about to travel a dozen hours from our home village to Janitzio's Island— Janitzio is located in what is known by the citizens as Michoacan's best municipality, Patzcuaro.  

    Why we required to go there and why that particular day? Well, the answers are quite simple; the following week, "El Día De Muertos" would occur in the entire country. However, Michoacan is the place to live it, not any city, no. The place.

    Therefore, we saved money for the journey, prepared our clothes and photographic equipment, and prepared to encounter a real Mexican Day of the Death.

    Fortunately, the celebration even has several movies and documentaries where you can get informed. All of them are produced by National Geographic, History, or Disney. Speaking of movies, have you ever watched Pixar's film entitled Coco? Well, if you haven't, bad news because a spoiler is coming. The movie is totally set in Patzcuaro, Michoacán. If you have, this is not breaking news; the film told you where everything happened. Let me continue.

    The intention was to sleep in some cabins in Zirahuen—a city next to Patzucaro's jetty—and rent a guided scary tour. Besides, we went there with several friends, so the logistics were a bit more complicated. Before continuing, let us keep in mind all events take place at midnight at this festival. 

    At 5:00 AM, we left our village. At 8:00 PM, we arrived. Thirty minutes later, we got to the cabins, unpacked the stuff, took a well-deserved nap, and headed to the local graveyard.

    "Surprising!" said Liz.

    "I thought there would be fewer people, guys," replied Lulu.

    "Let's move on; this is bigger than expected," I muttered.

    "Who wants a beer to start as God commands?" finished Elias.

    The place stunned every person new there—like us. The first glance you have was hundreds of tombs covered with orange flowers and many pieces of bread. Followed by that, dozens of families gathered around each grave, all of them eating bread, drinking what seemed hot coffee, and were covered with cloaks and jackets. Moreover, the immense quantity of candles scattered all over the soil give the place a distinctive vibe.  

    Although every state has its own way to celebrate El Día de Muertos. The small town of Janitzio has always been the national pride, and we discovered why. I never thought I would be sleeping next to a grave in the middle of a cemetery on an island. Overall, I share the most excellent parts of the trip with you: the food and the locals' behavior. Besides, I challenge you to go there and live a better experience than we did.

Onward...