T R AVEL TALK ASK THE EXPERTS


NEED ADVICE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? ARE YOU AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS, TIPS AND GUIDANCE? OUR EXPERTS HAVE THE ANSWERS…


THE EXPERTS


Shafik Meghji Travel writer and author of Crossed Off the Map


Ben Clatworthy Transport and travel correspondent, The Times


Eddi Fiegel Travel and arts writer specialising in Spain


Hannah Doherty Senior sub-editor, National Geographic Traveller (UK)


Where are the best spots in Mexico to experience Día de los Muertos? One of the most important dates in the Mexican calendar, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for remembering deceased relatives and friends, as well as commemorating the cycle of life and death. While the festivities begin in


Clockwise from above: Day of the Dead parade in Oaxaca, Mexico; Intercontinental Edinburgh The George, one of several hotels in the city with literary links; a hiking trail in Ibiza, Spain


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late October, the most significant days are 1 and 2 November. These are Día de los Angelitos, which is dedicated to children, and Día de los Muertos, dedicated to adults. During this period, it’s believed the souls of the dead return to visit their families and friends. To help them on their way, loved ones build ofrendas (altars filled with food, candles, sugar skulls and other offerings), decorate graves and create trails of marigold flowers,


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whose bright colour and pungent scent are believed to guide dead souls to the altars. Locals tend to celebrate Día de


los Muertos as a family, but there are larger-scale public events across Mexico in which travellers can take part. Unsurprisingly, there’s plenty to see and do in the capital, Mexico City. Squares such as the Zócalo play host to huge public altars, while the annual Grand Day of the Dead Parade — which was actually inspired by scenes in the 2015 James Bond film Spectre — sees the streets filled with musicians, technicolour floats and costumed, skull-faced dancers. For a more traditional vibe, head


to the southern city of Oaxaca and its surrounding villages. Many neighbourhoods hold lively processions reminiscent of Carnival, alongside ofrenda


competitions, cemetery tours and exhibitions of elaborate ‘sand tapestries’ (ephemeral pictures dedicated to deceased loved ones). You’ll also find many bakeries and markets selling breads bearing striking, skeletal faces; this is pan de muerto, and it’s baked specially for the occasion. There are also spectacular


festivities in the Lake Pátzcuaro region of Michoacán state. Here, boats and candle-lit canoes carry thousands for an overnight vigil — and raucous celebration — in the marigold-cloaked cemeteries of Janitzio island. Journey Latin America’s nine-day


private Signature Mexico: Day of the Dead tour, which visits Oaxaca and Mexico City, costs from £3,895 per person, including international flights. journeylatinamerica.com SHAFIK MEGHJI


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