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Beautiful old hillside cemetery that comes alive every year on Day of the Dead. Janitzio is one of the most scenic, traditional, and popular places for Day of the Dead, and on November 1, boats carry passengers to the island all night long as crowds make their way up the cobblestone streets where fishermen wave their butterfly nets to help guide the dead spirits to their waiting families. Entry to the cemetery is through stone archway and iron gates. On Night of the Dead, thousands of candles light the cemetery which is filled with marigold altars to remember the deceased. During the other 364 days of the year, it is a peaceful place with towering shade trees and views of the lake below. It's easy to understand why locals are dying to be buried here.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Capilla de Janitzio
The town's church dates from the 18th century. It has a unique architectural style with arched porticoes that are more reminiscent of Haciendas than typical Mexican churches. The church is a cultural center for the island's residents and is a focal point of the annual Day of the Dead activities. San Jeronimo (St. Jerome) is the island's patron saint.
A 40-meter high statue of José María Morelos, a great hero of Mexico's independence, started in 1933, is found on the island's highest point. You can see the statue of Morelos from the boat, when arriving. Visitors can climb to the top of the statue by way of a staircase that spirals up the inside. Along the interior walls, the life of Morelos is depicted in murals painted by Ramón Alba de la Canal and other Mexican muralists. At the top, visitors can look through peepholes within the giant raised fist of Morelos, with views of the island, lake and surroundings.
Exhilarating 1.2 mile zipline from a metal platform high on the Janitzio hill to the nearby island of Tecuena, where a boat will take you back to Janitzio.