Editor’s Note
At midnight on Lake Pátzcuaro, candlelight drifts across the water like floating stars. Families glide toward Isla de Janitzio in wooden canoes, balancing flowers, food, and whispered memories. It isn’t a show — it’s communion.
Welcome to Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, where Día de Muertos isn’t an event; it’s an inheritance.
This issue honors the rituals, flavors, landscapes, and lessons that make this region one of Mexico’s most moving cultural destinations.
🕯️ Feature Story — The Eternal Light of Pátzcuaro
Long before “Día de Muertos” became a global symbol, the Purépecha communities of Lake Pátzcuaro celebrated K’uinchekua Jimbani Eratsïti — the Feast of the Souls.
Each November, families guide their loved ones home with:
- Corundas (pyramid-shaped tamales)
- Candles and marigold arches
- Music that ripples across the lake
The heart of the celebration is Isla de Janitzio, where thousands of flames rise from the water in near silence — a ritual so profound it can freeze time itself.
In Pátzcuaro’s colonial center, artisans carve wooden masks, shape clay skulls, and bake pan de ánimas, a local variation of bread of the dead.
If you ever needed proof that Mexico’s beauty lies in contrast — joy and grief, silence and song — you’ll find it here.
🧭 Travel Tip
Arrive a few days early to explore nearby gems:
- Tzintzuntzan archaeological ruins
- Santa Clara del Cobre (copper artisans)
- Quiroga (famous for carnitas)
🎭 What’s Coming Up
🍞 Feria del Pan de Muerto — Mexico City (Nov 18–19)
Taste regional versions of pan de muerto — orange blossom, sugar-dusted, Oaxacan sesame, and more.
🎻 Morelia Music Festival (Nov 14–23)
Classical, jazz, and experimental performances in candlelit cathedrals. Romantic, refined, unforgettable.
🎈 Guanajuato Hot Air Balloon Festival — León (Nov 14–17)
Hundreds of balloons rise at dawn — a sky made of color.
💱 Money Matters — Making Miles Work for Mexico
Want your Michoacán flights to feel free? Smart travelers use reward cards to stretch every peso.
- Earn 125,000 bonus points with Sapphire Reserve®
- Earn 75,000 bonus points with Sapphire Preferred®
(If you’re approved through my link, I may receive a reward — gracias for supporting MexicoFlow!)
💡 Tip: Combine points with Aeroméxico Rewards or United MileagePlus for domestic flights — often under 8,000 miles each way.
💬 Language & Culture Corner
Phrase: “¿A qué hora sale la lancha para Janitzio?”
Meaning: “What time does the boat leave for Janitzio?”
Want to practice before your trip?
Try TalkPal — an AI speaking partner that helps you learn real, conversational Spanish with local accents.
🛡️ Health & Insurance Highlight
Emergency Medical Plan Essentials for Expats
🎥 Watch the Video by Brett LaMar
Living in Mexico is an adventure — but even adventure needs a safety net. In this video, we break down:
- What to do before an emergency happens
- How to identify hospitals that accept your policy
- What’s included for accidents & illness
- Why medical evacuation matters
Peace of mind makes every journey better.
📌 Learn more: Get a Free Quote
🕵️♀️ Smart Travel Tip — Verify Before You Book
Pátzcuaro is magical, but digital listings can be misleading. Before sending deposits:
✔ Run names, photos, or numbers through SocialCatfish
✔ Verify hosts, rental agents, or guides
✔ Avoid scams that often target Día de Muertos travelers
A 5-minute check can save you a costly headache.
🌮 Food & Drink Spotlight — Corundas & Atole de Grano
Corundas
Soft masa triangles steamed in corn leaves, topped with salsa, queso, and cream. Simple, rustic, soul-warming.
Atole de Grano
A savory corn broth steeped with epazote, lime, and roasted chiles — earthy and fragrant, perfect after a night on the lake.
📜 Fun Fact — The Island That Inspired a Nation
In the 1940s, filmmaker Julio Bracho shot Maclovia on Janitzio, starring María Félix. The haunting canoe scenes illuminated by candlelight introduced Pátzcuaro’s rituals to the world long before UNESCO recognized them.
⚖️ Legal & Residency Corner — INM Digital Updates
Mexico’s National Migration Institute (INM) is piloting online scheduling for residency renewals in selected states, including Michoacán.
✔ Check your local INM office
✔ Confirm availability before your card expires
✔ Expect rollout to expand gradually
Digitization is coming — slowly, but steadily.
🔗 Call to Action
Explore Mexico safely and confidently with coverage designed for expats and long-term travelers:
👉 Get a Free Quote
Already insured? Brett’s team can map your policy to nearby hospitals:
👉 Get a Free Quote
🌅 Closing Note
On the waters of Lake Pátzcuaro, candles drift, laughter echoes, and somewhere between the flames and the stars, the living and the dead meet halfway.
See you next week in San Luis Potosí 🌄
— Brett LaMar
Senior Insurance Broker for Expats in Mexico
📱 WhatsApp: +52 322 274 0391
📧 brett.l@expatinsurance.com
🌐 brettlamar.com