Xantolo: Day of the Dead celebration in the Huasteca Potosina

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From home, people can participate in this Huasteca tradition that honors the deceased. There will be broadcasts for everybody to experience Xantolo 2020 from home.

Xantolo is one of the most important celebrations of the Huasteca Potosina. The term comes from the Latin Sanctorum. In this area of ​​the country, there are two indigenous traditions that honor the deceased: Tenek and Nahua. Next, we will tell you about Xantolo 2020 and the differences between the celebration so that you can appreciate them from home.

xantolo

Due to the health emergency, it is not recommended that you travel to the area with a prior reservation, with your personal health kit, and practically from entry to exit to avoid the crowds that would do so much damage to the rural populations of the area.

However, as part of the festivities, the local tourism areas are publicizing the events and the transmission via social networks so that even if they are a little far away from their loved ones’ graves, people can appreciate this tradition from the safety of your home, where you can see the altars and pantheons, emblematic manifestations of this tradition that this year especially calls for intimate celebration.

Xantolo 2020: “Alive and dead we are celebrating”

For the Huastecos it is time to offer and thank the favors received, therefore, each community becomes hospitable to its own and travelers to cheer the living and the dead.

Xantolo has a festive perception that is related to the biological cycles that the human being fulfills and becomes a symbol of identity for the Huasteca culture, where entire families based on their traditions, go to the pantheon of their localities to clean, fix, the places where your loved ones rest.


Nahuatl tradition: miijkailjuitl

The celebration of Day of the Dead in Nahuatl culture is called miijkailjuitl. In it the communication link with various supernatural forces is weighed; For the Nahuatl inhabitants of the Huasteca Potosina, the deceased transmit the prayers of men, their dreams and hopes. Thus, between music, food, flowers and brandy, the offerings renew the commitment that unites them.

Municipalities of the Nahuatl tradition of Xantolo 2020

  • Axtla
  • Coxcatlan
  • San Martin Chalchicuautla
  • Saint vincent
  • Tamazunchale
  • Temuin
  • Tanquián
  • Tampacan
  • Xilitla

Activities

  • Blessing of the masks
  • Visit of the pantheons
  • Altars
  • Offerings
  • Traditional gastronomy
  • Comparsas that run through the town

Tenek tradition: tsamnek

Tsamnek ajib is called to the Day of the Dead festivities of the Tenek culture. Among their offerings and memories, the dead return to continue the teachings that have remained pending. Arches, wax candles and family celebrations remind them that they are intimate dates to build a bridge between life and death, between words and memories, thus renewing ties with the universe.

The indigenous festival takes place to the beat of the music of the comparsas and the huehues, accompanied by the Malinche and the devils, the festivities are lived between laughter, brandy, and food. Touring pantheons, tasting the typical seasonal gastronomy, smelling incense and flowers.

Municipalities of the Tenek de Xantolo tradition 2020

  • Aquismon
  • Ciudad Valles
  • Huehuetlan
  • San antonio
  • Tampamolon
  • Tancanhuitz
  • Tanlajás

Activities

  • Altars
  • Visit the pantheons
  • Dances in Tamaletón Ceremonial Center Flight of the Gavilán
  • Offerings

Be a responsible tourist

  • Make a prior reservation and check the capacity of each location
  • Hire certified guides
  • Take care of the environment: do not litter and take care of and respect the local flora and fauna
  • Consume local
  • Follow the directions of the authorized guides and locals

Things to take into account

  • Bring biodegradable fly repellent
  • Biodegradable sunscreen
  • Walking shoes
  • Cap and scarf
  • Lifejacket
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Health kit (mask, antibacterial gel, goggles and mask)
  • Take care to respect the healthy distance
  • Avoid talking without the mask
  • If you have any symptoms such as temperature, cough or headache, cancel, report it to the medical line and isolate yourself!

Source: Mexico Desconocido

San Luis Potosí Post