Published
Night of Xantolo
In a small cemetery in the community of Barrio de Cuayo, Ejido de Chalco, in Axtla de Terrazas, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, the living and the dead meet on 31 October. In the heart of the Sierra, the celebration begins with the Dance of the Monarchs: dancers wearing bells move from one portal to another, accompanied by the constant sound of crickets and fireworks. Their music mingles with that of a huapango trio, requested by the relatives accompanying the deceased. Suddenly, on the other side of the cemetery, the Dance of the Rabeles joins in, with small rattles and bowed instruments carrying the sounds of the wind. The celebration continues amid the glow of orange candles and the unceasing sound of crickets.
“Xantolo, Day of the dead. In a small cemetery in the community of Barrio de Cuayo, Ejido de Chalco inAxtla de Terrazas, San Luís Potosí (Mexico); on October 31 there is a meeting between the living and the dead; In the middle of the Sierra, the party begins with the Dance of Monarcas, the dancers with rattles move from one portal to another, while they are accompanied by a constant of crickets and fireworks, their music is mixed with that of a trio of huapangueros, requested at the request of the families that accompany the deceased; suddenly, on the other side of the cemetery, the Danza de los Rabeles is added, with small rattles and rabels with sounds of the wind; the party continues amidst the lights of orange candles and the incessant sound of crickets.
The traditions of the day of the dead in Mexico are increasingly scarce; little by little the city is invading those small towns in the middle of the mountains, and the old people who keep the tradition are dying… In this recording, you get to hear an instrument that is no longer used in Europe, which is the Rabel, however here it is still played by a musician over 80 years old, and without an heir who continues to play it.”
Sound of the year – 2021 – DISAPPEARING SOUND – A sound that is unlikely to be heard in the future, but that is worth saving.