When I travel to a new destination, I like to make a point of visiting a cemetery. It is fascinating to me to see the cultural differences surrounding the ending of life, between what I am used to and where I am visiting.
Panteon 5 De Diciembre
Visiting a local cemetery in Puerto Vallarta is quite easy, for there is one located not too far from the tourist area, in the 5th of December neighbourhood. The Panteon 5 De Diciembre is located on Calle Brasilia at Calle San Salvador.
It is quite large and began just over 100 years ago in 1916. During nearby construction, bodies were located in a park on Hidalgo and they were relocated to this site, and the cemetery was formed.
Cemeteries back home
In Canada where I am from, cemeteries are quite conservative. There are very few if any grand headstones, no monuments. Usually just a simple headstone or a cross. They are usually full of green spaces, have benches to rest and visit, and are well laid and spaced out.
This cemetery in Puerto Vallarta is quite chaotic at first glance. There does not seem to be symmetry to the layout of the graves which are really close to each other. Quite a few plants and trees are available for shade, however the ground is very arid and dusty.
The graves themselves range from quite humble to very ornate. Many have towering statues, crosses and decorations making them rather ornate. Almost all of the concrete decoration is white or light grey giving the space a very serene feeling.
Many headstones are covered with flowers and items that the person might have liked during their life time. Things such as soccer balls, cans of beer or soda, packages of cigarettes, toys etc.
The feeling inside the grounds is fairly peaceful. It is not quite as it is surrounded on all sides by busy streets. There are no green spaces or benches where one could sit and rest to take in the atmosphere. But a slow saunter in and out of respectful places will take you around the site.
It is really quite beautiful and I enjoyed my visit immensely. I have been to this cemetery before. It becomes especially lively and interesting for the day of the dead celebrations as you can image. If you ever have the chance to visit a cemetery n Mexico during that festival, I urge you to do so.
Panteon 5 De Diciembre really is a special place to visit to gain an unique insight to the cultural differences surrounding burial and death here in Mexico. The religious references abound and you almost feel as if you are in a church.
