Tequila’s Day of the Dead Fest: Trains and Spirits in Mexico

Intrepid travelers now have the chance to travel back from the dead. Mundo Cuervo, the experience division of Jose Cuervo tequila, and Voces de Tequila have prepared a weekend of festivities to the beyond and back.

On Friday, November 1, guests can revel in a late-night Día de los Muertos fiesta in the Town of Tequila, procession and altar lighting, accompanied by storytelling, theater and music, returning to Guadalajara on Saturday evening on the Jose Cuervo Express.

Spirits of all types will come alive at night in Tequila with this very special celebration of life and afterlife. On Friday, November 1, shrouded by the dark of night, guests will take a deep dive into the culture and history of Tequila with tales from spirited storytellers, tastings, theater and the lighting of the altar. After a deep sleep at hotel Villa Tequila or Solar de las Animas, guests can enjoy a visit to the La Rojeña Distillery, visit the agave fields and travel back to Guadalajara on the Jose Cuervo Express Sunset train.

Spirited Stories

Here are just some of the stories that await visitors in the Plaza of Tequila:

A Place for Doña Félix

One hundred years ago, a total of 83 women could work side by side at the public washing station of Los Lavaderos in Tequila, including the tiny Doña Félix, who placed a brick on the floor to better reach the sink. She did this every day until she died at the age of 85. It is said that during the days following her death, the red brick still appeared under the sink she used. The women of the town affixed the brick to the floor in her honor.

The Sleeping Dragon

In the atrium of the Santiago Apostol Church, a strong gust of wind blows more than in any other part of town. According to a legend, a sleeping dragon lies underneath, so large his body extends through the town, with the tail reaching the Tequila Volcano.

The Birth of Tequila

The goddess of agriculture Mayahuel lived in heaven with her grandmother Tzitzímitl, a celestial demon of darkness who jealously guarded her, until the god Quetzalcoatl invited her down to earth to become a leafy tree admired by all. Full of anger, the grandmother found Mayahuel and tore her to pieces. Quetzalcoatl, very afflicted, picked up the remains of Mayahuel, and buried them in the field, from which a beautiful plant sprouted: the agave. Some years later, a bolt of lightning burned several agaves, cooking their pineapple-shaped core. The natives were attracted by the sweet smell, and discovered a delicious honey, which they considered a gift from the gods. That honey is the basis of what we know today as tequila.

Details

Where

Located an hour from Guadalajara, Tequila, Jalisco (Mexico) was named a “Pueblo Mágico” (Magical Town) for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and history

When

The Día de los Muertos festivities will take place the evenings of Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2; the Jose Cuervo Express Tequila Train runs between Guadalajara and Tequila on Saturdays

Booking

Hotel, train and excursions can be booked here.

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