From October 31 to November 2, the vibrant towns of Sayulita and Bucerías will transform into stages filled with art, music, and tradition for the 1st International Festival of Eternal Souls in Bahía de Banderas. This celebration honors the tradition of Día de Muertos, blending the past with the present in a unique experience. This event not only celebrates death as a natural cycle but elevates it as a symbol of rebirth and connection to our roots.
A Festival with Local Roots and Hope for the Future
The Día de Muertos Festival in Sayulita has a long-standing tradition in the region, and its origins stem from the efforts of the Sayulita community itself. The celebration was born as a local initiative to rescue and preserve the Día de Muertos tradition, threatened by the effects of gentrification that have impacted this area in recent years. This year, the festival not only celebrates our roots but also marks a significant moment for the community as it welcomes a new government to the municipality.
With this transition, the communities of Sayulita and Bucerías remain hopeful that the issues needing improvement will be addressed day by day. Organizers and attendees see this festival as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to social welfare, culture, and the environment, with the conviction that together, the municipality will move toward a more prosperous and equitable future.
International Festival of Eternal Souls 2024: An Invitation to Environmental Care
In this edition of the festival, both tourists and locals are invited to reconsider the use of disposable materials and plastic bags in an effort to minimize the waste generated during the celebration days. Environmental awareness is a fundamental value of this festivity, and all attendees are encouraged to dispose of their waste in designated containers or specific areas set up for collection.
Moreover, the local residents play a crucial role in this aspect, organizing themselves to carry out cleaning tasks before, during, and after the festival. This collective action ensures that the streets, beaches, and plazas of Sayulita and Bucerías remain clean, reflecting respect for both nature and the community.
So, you can join the ongoing effort by properly managing your waste and disposing of it in the appropriate containers.
Tradition and Community
The festival highlights the essence of the community and respect for our deepest customs. For three days, locals and visitors come together to pay homage to loved ones who are no longer with us through altars for the dead, artistic exhibitions, parades, and cultural presentations that reflect Mexico's rich heritage.
The residents of Sayulita and Bucerías demonstrate how youth blends with ancestral traditions, giving new life to this millennial ritual that honors our deceased while also celebrating life itself.
In the 2024 International Festival of Eternal Souls, art and music are the cornerstones of the festival. On every corner of Sayulita and Bucerías, you can admire art exhibitions that explore the duality of life and death. Catrinas will paint the streets with color, representing the delicate balance between the ephemeral and the eternal.
Outdoor concerts and traditional Mexican music will fill the atmosphere with sounds that connect generations. From mariachi to banda, each note will be a tribute to those who have passed, yet whose spirit remains alive in our memories.
Respect for Mother Nature
The festival is also a reminder of our bond with Mother Nature. Sayulita and Bucerías, with their beautiful coastline, provide the perfect backdrop to reflect on life and death in harmony with the natural environment. The altars not only honor the deceased but also highlight the importance of caring for our surroundings and preserving traditions for future generations.
An Encounter Between Death and Rebirth.
This festival invites us to see death as a rebirth, where every altar, every dance, and every song reminds us that our loved ones remain present in our lives. The Mexican tradition of Día de Muertos teaches us that death is merely a part of the eternal cycle of existence, and that by celebrating it, we also celebrate life.
"The Catrina in Sayulita, so charming and proud,strolled through Bucerías with her skirt held high.Amid altars and colors, with mariachis and drums,she celebrated the dead with songs and cheers.But this time, the bony lady didn’t come to take anyone,in Bahía de Banderas, she brought an urgent message:‘Take care of nature, put plastic aside!In this blessed land, we all must be allies.’Here, death was reborn, with respect and hope,for the town asked for a future filled with trust. So the Catrina, happy, danced with all the people,because in Bahía de Banderas, the soul will always be present."
— Carola Mar.
Conclusion.
The 1st International Festival of Eternal Souls in Bahía de Banderas is not just a celebration of Día de Muertos, but a reaffirmation of the power of community and tradition in the face of modern changes. It was born as a local effort to preserve culture and minimize the impact of gentrification, and has become a key event that unites art, music, and respect for our roots. This year also marks the beginning of a new era with the arrival of a new government, and the community remains optimistic that together, they will work towards a fairer and more harmonious future for all. At the same time, there is a call to all attendees to care for the environment, minimize waste, and preserve the natural beauty of Sayulita and Bucerías.
The festival reminds us that death is just another step in the eternal cycle of life, and that by celebrating it, we also celebrate rebirth!
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