I had the chance to visit another cemetery, the Cemeterio de Sayulita. I would think when the location was first selected, it was most likely a beautiful and serene space. However, today, Sayulita’s not so private cemetery is getting hemmed in by new construction and has become a shortcut to other destinations.
Two entrances
The main entrance to the cemetery is on Calle Pescadores, just past a large hotel called Amor Boutique Hotel. A large cement arch, now painted black with colourful pictures towers over the dusty track up the hillside.
Another way to enter the area is by taking Ninos Heroes and staying to the right when you get to the fork in the road. There is a sign to let you know you are on the right path, which also takes you to a secluded beach called Los Muertos. If you keep on that completely dusty and in some places mucky road, you will eventually see the cemetery on your right.
Cemetery location
The site is located on a hillside that faces a once secluded small beach called Los Muertos. It would have been very peaceful at one time and the perfect setting for the cemetery.
Unfortunately now, with the booming construction going on in Sayulita, there is a large building going up right against the very back side.
And as Sayulita has become busier, visitors have looked further for peace and quiet. The once secret little beach of Los Muertos is now busy, so much so that there are two permanent food stands serving guests at the beach. Needing an umbrella and chairs? There are at least three sellers providing this service on the beach as well.
Cemeterio de Sayulita
Given that the cemetery has a road going through and the busyness of the close beach, it is not overly peaceful. There is significant noise from the construction and you have to be watchful of the road as there is a regular stream of cars passing through.
The cemetery itself is extremely dry and dusty, just like the rest of town. Because of this, many of the burials are not so bright, covered in a deep layer of dust. The caretaker does a great job at keeping the space as clean as possible. The entire site is canopied by large trees which gives the visitor lots of shade and creates a cooler space to explore.
There are very recent burials so lots of colourful flower displays, flags and pictures. As a Canadian, I am definitely unfamiliar with graves having so many large photographs of the deceased displayed in the cemetery itself. I never take a photograph of those, it just doesn’t feel right.
As with the other Mexican panteons that I have visited, graves are decorated with items that were important to the loved one. Here is was fitting to see surf boards on some of the sites as well as beer, toys, candles and flags.
No doubt you will see this cemetery if you visit Sayulita and want to explore the lovely tiny beach of Los Muertos. It is interesting and lovely, just not so peaceful and private.
