Mitla Oaxaca Mexico

In the morning of November 1, Linda took us to the village of Mitla, where we met a family who took us to the cemetery. At the cemetery we heard stories of the people buried there. Then we hurried back to the family home so we would arrive before the departed loved ones returned, where they would be welcomed. Our hosts spoke about the importance of dias de los muertos to their families and village and way of life, and shared a beautiful meal with us.

House in Mitla with gated courtyard

Woman with poinsettia in Mitla cemetery

Grave with offerings – marigolds and cockscomb, pan de muertos, citrus fruits, pomegranate, cigarettes, and mezcal

Hallway ofrenda with bottles of mezcal and footed bowl of copal incense

Open kitchen with mole negro on the fire

Rooftop dog house, with a little dog resting on the ledge, viewed from the open kitchen

Our hosts who graciously shared a beautiful meal and dias de los muertos stories with us

Pan de Muertos beautifully decorated

Pan de Muertos and warm chocolate drink

Bowl of mole negro with turkey served on rice – the best we tasted in Mexico. Now I understand why it’s considered such a delicacy.

After lunch, we visited other houses in the village that were open to display their ofrenda. One home was filled with collections of treasures displayed beautifully.

Beautiful courtyard oasis, viewed from the open patio

Open patio filled with collected treasures

Treasures under glass top table

Collection of grinding bowls (used for making mole negro) in the foreground

Then we spent the rest of the afternoon walking around Mitla.

Mitla street at sunset