The Fiesta at Todos SantosThe Fiesta at Todos Santos

Di­a de los Muertos Clarified

Di­a de los Muertos is not just one evening’s celebration. This ancient Mesoamerican tradition sprang from religious ceremonies lasting a month.

Second, Di­a de los Muertos is a solemn event honoring dead ancestors. Halloween today is a party mainly for children.

Third, in Todos Santos today it’s a combo of both traditions.

Halloween It’s Not

The popular association with Halloween probably dates back to the Celtic celebration beginning the eve of October 31st. That honored Samhain, Lord of the Dead (most likely where the connection with Halloween came from).

Then along with the spread of Christianity, the Church picked up local pagan Dia de los Muertos celebrations and combined them with existing religious ones into the Catholic Triduum of Allhallowtide – All Saints’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day.

Todos Santos Today

Later this month I'll visit Todos Santos, a town one thousand miles south of the US border in Baja California Sur. I’ll wander the cobblestone streets of this “Pueblo Magico” to celebrate Dia de los Muertos festivities, only done with a twist Todos Santos can call its own.

Calendar of Events

Time, Place and Event

Wednesday November 1

4:00 pm Plaza BLESSING OF THE SAINTS BY FATHER JORGE.
Bring Saints, Images and candles for the blessing.

5:00 pm Plaza KERMÉS
Different groups, as well as civil associations will sell typical Mexican food in the church’s atrium.

6:00 pm Plaza PROCESSION
Procession to the Cemetery led by Father Jorge with candles and flowers

7:00 pm Plaza OFFICIAL OPENING OF ALTARS
From 10:00 am come and see how the altars are built

9:00 pm Plaza MUSIC
Bands and musicians delight us with local music

GENERAL INVITATION / VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION

Thursday November 2

10:00am Ancient Cemetery EXHIBITION IN THE CEMETERY
The ancient cemetery will have a display throughout the day where you can participate
taking offerings for the dead. Come and live the traditions!

10:00am Cultural Center Artists of the town are going to paint a mural with the theme of Day of the Dead

1:00 pm/ 5:00 pm Plaza WORKSHOP GUIDED BY PUENTES DE MILAGROS AND HABLANDO MEXICANO
Make-up Catrinas, games and souvenirs

5:00 pm Main Street B. Juarez PARADE DANCING WITH THE DEAD
To the rhythm of the music, catrinas, mojigangas, allegorical car will take us to a
charming trip full of colors and traditions

6:00 pm Plaza EXHIBITIONS AND TOUR: LIVING ALTARS
Tour of the 5 altars of each of the elements and their meaning

6:00 pm Theater FILM FOR CHILDREN
Event led by the Todos Santos Film Festival

7:00 pm Plaza PRESENTATION OF ALTARS: MEXICO THE DAY OF THE DEAD AND ITS ANCESTRAL TRADITIONS
Ray Barlett: Travel Writer for Lonely Planet, USA Today, photographer and Novelist will
give us a presentation of some of the most ancient traditions

8:00 pm Plaza INTERNATIONAL MUSICIAN JJ JUNGLE
“la amor nunca muere” -“Love never dies” Through music and dance, mojigangas will lead
us to a charming journey with the spirits.

9:00 pm Plaza MUSIC – Bands and musicians will delight us with local music.

GENERAL INVITATION / VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION

Friday November 3

1:00pm/ Plaza WORKSHOP: GUIDED BY PUENTES DE MILAGROS AND HABLANDO MEXICANO

5:00pm Make-up of catrinas, games and souvenirs, Various Activities

4:00 pm Plaza PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBIT
Photography Contest with 3 themes: Town, Nature and Traditions. Artistic promotion of the community
and exhibition of the natural and cultural heritage of Todos Santos.

5:00 pm Main Street B. Juárez PARADE "DANCING WITH THE DEAD" – To the rhythm of the music, catrinas, mojigangas,
allegorical car and the community will take us to a charming trip full of colors and traditions

GENERAL INVITATION / VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION

Saturday November 4

1:00pm/ Plaza WORKSHOP: GUIDED BY PUENTES DE MILAGROS AND HABLANDO MEXICANO
5:00pm Make-up of catrinas, games and souvenirs

4:00 pm Main Street B. Juárez PARADE DANCING WITH THE DEAD
To the rhythm of the music, catrinas, mojigangas, allegorical car and the community will take us to a
charming trip full of colors and traditions

5:00 pm Plaza MYTHS AND LEGENDS – Tour of the town Departure: Plaza
A tour of the most emblematic places of our picturesque village, recounting ancient legends about Todos
Santos, its legendary characters and old houses. Suggested contribution 100 pesos

GENERAL INVITATION / VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Gala Dinner with Tania Libertad

5:30 pm Cocktail VIP Tickets
6:00 pm General ticket ticket
Presents Fernanda Familiar
Divier Project
Fashion Show and Auction
Dinner Show
Tenor Yovanni Catalán
Tania Libertad
Pepe Sosa y Razo

Tickets on sale at www.fiestatodossantos.com