Nothing pleases my children more than being surprised with a trip. Sometimes I plan a getaway but I don't tell them until everything is packed. This year, just like the last two, I decided to make one of my surprises on Day of the Dead, for two reasons: one, the places where this wonderful tradition is celebrated become incredibly beautiful, and two, I like that my children, even though they celebrate Halloween, remember that they are Mexican and that we should celebrate the Day of the Dead and its traditions!

When weekend trips are involved, they can't be too far or too long, so I strive to plan something worthwhile. This year, to celebrate the Day of the Dead, I researched where, near Mexico City, it gets good.

The first place I found is called Ocotepec, Morelos. In this little town, they cling tightly to the traditional culture of this day. The cemetery, which is on the outskirts of Cuernavaca, fills with Cempasúchitl flowers, altars, offerings, photographs, music, candles, etc. Since it was so close to Cuernavaca, I thought it would be a good place to visit and combine it with a quick vacation.

Another amazing place to go with the family on the Day of the Dead weekend, although it's within Mexico City, is Xochimilco. The chinampas fill with decorations, the trajineras become floating altars, and my favorite part is that there is art! In Xochimilco, from November 1st to November 22nd, the play “La Llorona” is performed, which talks about her legend and also mixes other legends of this very special day. It’s super cool because the play takes place right by the lake, it's at night, and the truth is that the whole atmosphere is suspenseful! I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world.

Obviously, the last stop would be visiting a cemetery. Yes, there are cemeteries like the one in Ocotepec that stand out for their decoration, but if you can't go far, or if you already had a trip planned, then just ask where the nearest cemetery is and go offer food, company, or whatever you can think of to the souls that visit us!

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