Jack Nicas, the Mexico City bureau chief, has visited Pomuch, a town in eastern Mexico, to report on the annual ritual of cleaning the bones of deceased relatives, a practice central to the Day of the Dead celebrations. This unique tradition, which has roots in the region’s indigenous cultures, is facing new challenges as the number of tourists continues to rise.
The bone-cleaning ritual, known as ‘limpias de huesos,’ involves the careful preparation of skeletal remains, which are then displayed in altars and family homes. Practitioners, often elderly women, have been performing this ritual for generations, passing down the knowledge and techniques of bone preservation and cleaning. However, the increasing presence of tourists has disrupted the sacredness of the practice, with some participants expressing concern over the commercialization and loss of cultural authenticity.
Nicas’ report highlights the growing tension between preserving traditional rituals and accommodating the demands of modern tourism. While tourism has brought economic benefits to the town, it has also introduced new challenges, including the risk of cultural dilution and the potential for sacred practices to be reduced to mere attractions. The case of Pomuch raises broader questions about the role of tourism in the preservation of cultural traditions and the balance between economic development and cultural integrity.