The Day of the Dead celebration in 2024 has begun in Campeche, specifically in Pomuch, with the traditional “Cleaning of the Holy Remains” ritual. This pre-Hispanic practice involves exhuming and carefully cleaning the bones of relatives who have passed away.
The ceremony takes place every year from October 26 to November 2, during which the inhabitants of Pomuch exhum their deceased loved ones’ remains that are at least three years old. If a relative has died recently, it is not possible to clean their bones as the skin will still be attached, making it difficult to remove dirt.
Interestingly, since 2017, this unique tradition has been officially recognized by the State of Campeche as part of its cultural heritage. This ritual reflects the deep respect and affection that families have for their deceased loved ones.
The cleaning process is a meticulous one, with the bones being wrapped in hand-embroidered blankets, demonstrating the love and dedication of relatives to honor their memory. Pomuch is notably recognized throughout the peninsula as the sole community where this practice takes place.
For locals, this tradition serves as a meaningful way to remember and venerate their deceased family members. Overall, the “Cleaning of the Holy Remains” in Pomuch is an important aspect of Day of the Dead celebrations, highlighting the significance of honoring ancestors’ memories through traditional practices.
Source: El Universal
