Catemaco
A lake town in Veracruz known across Mexico for its brujos, who hold a gathering each year on the first Friday of March.
Practised and told of here
Best time: First Friday of March, or the dry season.
Catemaco lies on a volcanic lake in the Tuxtlas mountains. The area has had a reputation as a place of brujeria since at least the twentieth century. Healers, readers and cleansers advertise a wide range of services, mixing Catholic, Indigenous Nahua and Popoluca and Afro-Mexican traditions.
The practitioners
People come for limpias, which are cleansings with herbs and eggs, for readings and for protective charms. Many practitioners describe themselves as healers, and some are certified by a local association. The annual meeting, which began in the 1970s, draws crowds and television crews.
Scholars and critics
Researchers note the role of tourism in shaping the town's image. Some practitioners are respected local healers, and others are opportunists. Visitors are warned about people who charge large sums for lifting curses.
Visiting
The lake has birds, volcanic hills and a nearby reserve. Anyone who wants a cleansing should agree the price first and treat it as a personal rite.
A respectful visit to Catemaco
Living communities are not a show. Ask before photographing a person or a ceremony, and follow local rules.
- The lake Take a boat trip to see the monkey island.
- Nanciyaga Ecological Reserve Walk the forest reserve.
- The first Friday of March See the public event from a respectful distance.
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Catemaco" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and ceremonies change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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