Xantolo and seasonal cultural celebrations

Communities in the United States and Mexico held various seasonal and traditional festivities. In the United States, celebrations included the Xantolo festival in Silver City, New Mexico, which featured a procession and ofrendas to honor deceased loved ones. Other regional activities included various Halloween events, such as merchant-led treat distributions, trail walks, and trunk-or-treat activities.

In Mexico, Xantolo festivities were held in regions such as Hidalgo and Querétaro to preserve cultural identity. In Tulancingo de Bravo, the Universidad Politécnica de Tulancingo organized events including altars, literary contests, and costume competitions. In Pedro Escobedo, Querétaro, the Festival Entre Calaveras y Recuerdos featured music, dance, and traditional comparsas.

During the 2026 festivities, celebrations continued across various Mexican regions to honor Day of the Dead traditions. In El Mante, Mayor Patty Chío led events in the main plaza, noting the UNESCO recognition of Day of the Dead as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Activities included parades, Catrina costume contests, and altar competitions. In Tantoyuca, Mayor Roberto San Román welcomed delegations for the 54th anniversary of the Institute for Research and Diffusion of Mexican Dance (IIDDMAC), featuring a parade titled “Rostros de Madera, Almas de Tradición.” Additionally, in Ixcateopan de Cuauhtémoc, Mayor Juan Carlos Rodríguez Barrera hosted costume contests and installed a monumental offering decorated with candles and cempasúchil flowers.