La Calaca Festival

The La Calaca Festival is a participatory arts festival inspired by Dia de Los Muertos, or the "Day of the Dead", that brings the interactive arts to local businesses, art organizations, individuals and visitors from, not only within Mexico but all over.

This is a Meso-American holiday that is centered on the understanding that death is merely a part of life's cycle, and also a commemoration for the departed loved ones. The festival is held on the same day as Halloween or the Christian All Saints' Day through All Souls' Day.

The La Calaca Festival, fairly freshly founded in 2012, obviously isn't exactly full of years of history, but the desire to celebrate Mexico's cultural traditions is certainly worth a look for all travelers alike. The founders wanted to link the explosion of arts and creativity with the ancient traditions that are celebrated in San Miguel de Allende during Dia de los Muertos.

During the festival, different events take place at multiple venues all throughout the city. Daytime events immerse participants in cultural activities, such as live art installations, creative workshops and tours of dressed up cemeteries and traditional altars. The evenings are dominated by costumed processions, musical performances, and parties that last until sunrise.

In Mexico, families gather in local cemeteries to share music, food, and fun with their community, both living and departed. Highly detailed and beautiful altars are created, featuring marigolds, sugar skulls and the all the favorite food of the remembered departed. The celebration acknowledges that we still have a relationship with our ancestors and loved ones who have passed away.

While you're in San Miguel de Allende, the festivals' venue, take advantage of the time between La Calaca events to take a look around. There are historic chapels and churches such as the Santa Cruz del Chorro Chapel. Parroquia of San Miguel Archangel and Las Monjas, which take more than an entire day to visit, so space them out maximize your stay.