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Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico

Last Updated: November 3, 2021 ¡ Mexico, Riviera Nayarit

Day of the Dead or DĂ­a de Los Muertos is one of the most famous Mexican traditions and holidays. And for a long time, it was extremely high up on my bucket list! Last year, when we were living in Mexico, I was finally able to experience this incredible cultural event. But time escaped me before I could write about it.

So in honor of this year’s upcoming Day of the Dead celebrations, here’s our experience celebrating the Day of Dead in Sayulita, Mexico — a hip, surfing town on Nayarit’s coast.

But first, what’s Day of the Dead and how is it celebrated?

Table of Contents show
Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico
Embracing the Joyous Day of the Dead Celebrations
Where to Stay in Sayulita for DĂ­a de Muertos
BUDGET-FRIENDLY FINDS ($0-50)
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS ($50-150+)
When is Day of the Dead Celebrated?
Common Symbols of Day of the Dead
Our Experience Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita
Remembering a friend
October 31 in Sayulita
November 1: Taking in the sights and smells
November 1 at midnight: Our night walk from the town to the graveyard
Final Thoughts | Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico

Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
A mesmerizing dance of colors and lights

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Embracing the Joyous Day of the Dead Celebrations

Day of the Dead is a joyous and festive occasion; the souls of the dead are believed to visit the living and it is much more celebratory than sad.

To honor the departed souls, colorful altars of passed family members and friends are erected and meticulously decorated with memorabilia of the departed, so that they may come back to delight in their favorite food, clothes, toys, hobbies, and so on.

Towns, cemeteries, plazas, and entire cities come alive in color and decorations, full of symbolism, and above all, love.

The result?

One magical explosion of papel picado strung across all the streets, handmade Ojos de Dios (eyes of God) decorating walls and walkways, and marigold flowers covering every square inch of sidewalks, altars, and tombs.

  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
    I asked to take her picture, and to not break her skull makeup, she simply nodded her head yes
  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
    An “ofrenda” or altar
  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
    Getting blessed by the Huichol indigenous of Nayarit
  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
    An altar for a small girl gone too soon
  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
    This person’s favorite food must’ve been tacos and coca cola
  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
    The attention to detail — and love — is evident on this bittersweet tradition

Many decorations and objects such as these are full of symbolism and meaning, especially for the departed souls.

Day of the Dead is observed across Mexico with varying cultural programs and festivities.

The most famous celebrations take place in Michoacan, Oaxaca, Mexico City, and Mixquic, among others. However, small towns such as Sayulita also offer incredible insight into the celebrations.

Where to Stay in Sayulita for DĂ­a de Muertos

BUDGET-FRIENDLY FINDS ($0-50)

  • Selina Sayulita – Modern and chic hotel with a private pool and palapa located in the center of Sayulita’s bustling downtown.
  • La Redonda Sayulita Hostel – A colorful, backpacker-friendly hostel with a community lounge and garden.
  • Hotel Vista Oceana – Oceanfront budget-friendly hotel overlooking Sayulita beach.

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS ($50-150+)

  • Petit Hotel Hafa – A vibrant Mexican-Moroccan style boutique hotel with a boho rooftop terrace in the heart of Sayulita.
  • Aurinko Bungalows – Rustic, airy bungalows in the center of town with discounted surf equipment and an on-site yoga studio.
  • Siete Lunas – A luxurious jungly hotel with an outdoor pool perched atop a hill overlooking Sayulita beach.

When is Day of the Dead Celebrated?

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
Papel Picado — Notice the “2 de Noviembre” cut out

Day of the Dead is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November.

But in history and tradition, the souls of the dead are honored on different days, depending on whether they were a child or adult, or even the manner in which they died.

Traditionally, Day of the Dead dates honor the spirits who arrive at 12 noon each day:

  • October 28th – honors those who died in an accident or a violent death
  • October 29th – remembers the souls who drowned
  • Oct. 30th – pays tribute to the lonely and forgotten souls, or orphans or criminals
  • Oct. 31st – remembers those who were never born
  • November 1st – honors spirits of the children (All Saints Day)
  • November 2nd – honors spirits of adults (All Souls Day)

Also, because of modern times and Halloween gaining in popularity, Day of the Dead is often confused with Halloween. To be clear, the two have many differences.

While celebrations of Halloween might merge with Day of the Dead, the main celebrations and cultural programs of Day of the Dead still take place on November 1st and 2nd throughout Mexico.

Common Symbols of Day of the Dead

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
La Calavera Catrina | Bucketlist Bri

La Calavera Catrina 

Day of the Dead is most often characterized by the famous Calavera Catrina female which was first depicted by a 20th-century political cartoonist named Posada.

Posada etched La Calavera Catrina dressed in fancy garments, thus poking fun at the fact that underneath it all, “we are all skeletons.” It was later popularized by icon Diego Rivera (husband of Frida Kahlo) in his 1946-47 mural. Many women dress up as La Catrina during the festival.

Calavera (Skull)

The skulls or “calavera” is iconic of Day of the Dead as well. These skulls are often placed on the altars and sugar skulls “calavera de azúcar” are popular candies.

Altars / Offerings (Ofrendas)

The altar is traditionally a family’s duty to erect every year for every family member that has passed. Although history and tradition are evolving, I learned that it still remains extremely important to do this for each member.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
Ofrenda or altar | Bucketlist Bri

The altar is decorated with all the things that the departed soul loved; whether that is clothes, food, and drink, or hobbies.

We even saw an altar decorated in all things surf, including a surfboard. In addition to all the offerings placed on the altar, the altar is decorated with candles, marigold flowers, and sometimes painted rice or colored sand that meticulously decorates the space in front of the altar.

Marigold Flowers (CempasĂşchil Flor de Muerto)

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
Marigolds are iconic of Day of the Dead | Bucketlist Bri

Marigolds are aplenty during Day of the Dead and are said to welcome and even guide the spirits to their respective altars. All the bright orange flowers make for an incredible atmosphere and aroma.

Pan de Muerto

El pan de Muerto is a Day of the Dead staple sweet-bread. It is covered in granulated sugar and has a soft, brioche center, but it can vary from region to region. This is how we experienced them in Nayarit, at least.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
Pan de muerto | Bucketlist Bri

Papel Picado 

Papel Picado is the brightly-colored flags that represent most Mexican holidays and festivities. During Day of the Dead, papel picado decorates nearly every space imaginable; altars, shops, plazas, etc.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
Papel Picado represents the wind | Bucketlist Bri

Most are strung between buildings across the streets. They represent the wind and the fragility of life and give a special festive feeling to the atmosphere.

Ojos de Dios

Ojos de Dios or “eyes of God / God’s eye” are typical of the Huichol indigenous tribe from the Mexican states of Nayarit and Jalisco, among others within the Sierra Madre mountains.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
Hundreds of Ojos de Dios hanging above me | Bucketlist Bri

Although they are often made for children, we also saw them hanging above doors of homes year-round in the town in order to bring peace and represent God’s watchful eye.

Our Experience Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita

  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
    One of the performances recounted a legend of a murderous mother (spooky yet portrayed with color and vibrance!)
  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
    This altar shows the loved one’s passion for surfing

Sayulita is one of Mexico’s pueblo magicos, or magic towns. Known for its popular surf, hipster boutiques, and colorful streets, Sayulita attracts quite the crowd. And for a couple of years now, their Day of the Dead celebrations have become phenomenal!

Remembering a friend

But our Day of the Dead experience began first in San Pancho, talking to friends and learning about their stories.

While San Pancho didn’t host a cultural program like Sayulita, it’s where we first paid tribute to our friend Rich who sadly passed away in the summer. He was one of the first people we met when we moved to San Pancho.

The guys at the coffee shop, which Rich frequented every morning, handcrafted a small altar showcasing his photo, marigolds, three coffee creamers, and an unfinished cigarette butt – the way Rich used to spend his mornings at Kokonati.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
RIP, Rich | Bucketlist Bri

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com

October 31 in Sayulita

Being big on Halloween, we wanted to go out for the night. So we painted on sugar skull makeup and took a taxi with friends from San Pancho and stepped out in Sayulita half an hour later under a sky full of flying papel picado. I had seen papel picado in the town before, but nothing like this!

In the town center, a stage was erected and there were traditional dances, singing, shows, and speeches – all a part of Sayulita’s two-day cultural program.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
Traditional dance and costumes of the Wixtawaris (Huicholes) – I think! | Bucketlist Bri

We weaved ourselves around the plaza, visiting each altar one by one. Most still needed finishing, but already the work was astonishing. There wasn’t a detail out of place.

November 1: Taking in the sights and smells

Not wanting to miss a thing, we returned the next day to fully enjoy the official start of Day of the Dead.

When we arrived, we excitedly discovered even more decorations, complex and gorgeous altars, dances, and a full cultural program. Though we didn’t watch the full show, we simply took in all the electric energy, the colors and lights, the smiles and hugs, and most of all, all the love.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
A Day of the Dead altar | Bucketlist Bri

That night we noticed a big emphasis on the altars of the departed children, with photos of the little ones and their favorite toys or clothes.

Next to each altar sat whom I presumed to be a relative. Some were sullen, but most were smiling and welcoming all to share in the beauty and memory of each departed soul.

Surrounding us were adults and children dressed in Catrinas and sugar skull makeup.

Shops were covered in candles and ojos de dios, and vendors were selling piles of sweetbreads and skull candies at every corner.

Music and a familiar mariachi boy’s singing were blaring over the speakers from the stage.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
There were decorations all around, it was tricky to catch all the details! | Bucketlist Bri
Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
A simulated graveyard in the middle of Sayulita plaza | Bucketlist Bri

Down a popular street in Sayulita was a walkway decorated by the Huichol Indians of Sayulita (or “Wixaritaris” in Huichol) to share their prehispanic culture with us. Paul and I followed the arrows down to a man who blessed us with a marigold dipped in water.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
We followed the arrows to receive our blessings from the huicholes | Bucketlist Bri
Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
A woman getting blessed with a marigold | Bucketlist Bri

November 1 at midnight: Our night walk from the town to the graveyard

We had heard that the Day of the Dead traditional walk from the town center of Sayulita all the way to the ocean-front cemetery was going to take place at midnight that night.

After a moving speech, the time came to march together to the graveyard, where the festivities would continue – but this time on the graves of the departed.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
At midnight, the town marched to the beat of the drums to the graveyard | Bucketlist Bri

The band drummed its way to the beachside cemetery, leading the crowd out of the streets down a sandy road, and up a hill all the way to the graveyard. We had never been prior, and I’m kinda glad we waited until this momentous occasion.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
Vigils and candles were lit, some tombs were emptier than others | Bucketlist Bri

We stood atop the hill, and all we could see were rows of tombs and graves. Nearly all were lit with candles and flowers. Some families had arrived before us and we found them already drunk and laughing with joy – certainly from stories of times past together.

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
My first festive cemetery scene | Bucketlist Bri

Never before had I seen people lounging over graves, or drinking beer huddled next to a tombstone (with one beer left open for the departed one).

It was more of a party than anything, and it’s hard to describe the feeling from a spectator’s point of view.

It’s both overwhelming and humbling, so much so that it brings tears to your eyes and prayers to your lips…

[su_image_carousel source=”media: 6108,6104,6103,6107,6096,6092,6123″ crop=”none” align=”center” captions=”yes”]

Final Thoughts | Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico

If you ever have the opportunity to experience Day of the Dead in Mexico, you must grab it and not let go.

Day of the Dead remains one of my most memorable cultural experiences and I am regretful not to be able to attend again this year!

Have you ever celebrated Day of the Dead with a family or somewhere else in Mexico? I want to hear about it! Share your comments with me here below.

  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Sayulita, Mexico #diademuertos #dayofthedead #mexico #travel | BUCKETLIST BRI www.bucketlistbri.com
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By: Bri ¡ In: Mexico, Riviera Nayarit

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Comments

  1. Brent C. says

    July 31, 2023 at 6:22 pm

    Are the parades every day starting on the 28th or just 11/1 and 11/2?

    Reply
    • Bri says

      August 1, 2023 at 2:31 pm

      Hey Brent! I believe ours was on the night of the 1st. And I think they did another on the 2nd as well, but I’m not sure.

      Reply
  2. Christine says

    October 19, 2022 at 12:30 pm

    It’s been a bucket list item for us for years! Finally getting to the celebration this year! Loved the article and photos and hope our experience is as wonderful as yours. We plan to immerse ourselves in it! We’re open to current pointers so if anyone has any, send them our way! <3

    Reply
    • Bri says

      October 20, 2022 at 12:22 pm

      Thanks for reading, Christine! I hope you enjoy DĂ­a de Muertos in Sayulita — I’ll be in Baja California Sur for the festivities as well!

      Reply
  3. Leila Davenport Ross says

    October 18, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    Beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing! I was wondering if you know for certain if, in fact, the Day(s) of the Dead will be celebrated this year, due to Covid? Looks like Puerto Villarta is really cutting back. I would hope since the celebrations/honorings happen mostly outdoors, then they would continue. Any information from a local perspective would be appreciated. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      October 18, 2020 at 7:13 pm

      Hi Leila! Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I am glad you could enjoy it. PV has definitely cut back – after their initial re-opening phase, I think it became too crowded too quickly. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dia de Los Muertos in Sayulita and in the surrounding towns had cancelations 🙁 But it’s so ingrained in the culture, it’s not just a celebration or party, ya know? so I imagine the locals will still gather, or at least build their altars to honor their families (which you could probably witness in the cemetery even if there aren’t decorations on the public square). If you plan on going, I’d recommend searching through the Sayulita Facebook groups for updated info and events. Sayulita was one of the towns that opened earlier than the others, so I also wouldn’t be so surprised if there were still festivities planned actually! I hope that helps! Feel free to get back to me with more questions. Best wishes, Bri

      Reply
  4. Teleisia says

    October 12, 2020 at 5:12 pm

    Thank you for this! We will be in Punta Mita 27th – 3rd. Definitely hitting up Sayulita for the festivities. First time for Dias de los muertos in Mexico…
    Cheers

    Reply
    • Bri says

      October 13, 2020 at 7:42 am

      Oh so awesome, Teleisia!! Sayulita won’t disappoint for your first experience (as you can see in the photos – it’s amazing!). Punta Mita is beautiful as well – if you love surfing, make sure to hit up La Lancha beach! Xx

      Reply
  5. World of Lina says

    October 29, 2019 at 8:00 pm

    Omg I would love to participate there!!! It looks like such an amazing event to experience and I love all your photos Birttany ?

    Reply
    • Bri says

      October 31, 2019 at 4:32 pm

      Thanks so much, Lina! You can imagine how much fun I had taking them. There were just too many haha!

      Reply
    • Debbie says

      October 11, 2020 at 9:13 pm

      I will be in Sayulita on the 27th of October of 2020 for 8 days. I am so looking forward to this experience, as it will be my first time. I am coming with 3 other gal’s. It’s going to be an amazing time ?

      Reply
      • Bri says

        October 12, 2020 at 7:50 am

        Oh you’re going to have a blast Debbie! Enjoy Sayulita for me! We are in Tulum. I can’t wait for Dia de Muertos this year. Hopefully everyone will stay safe while still getting to honor this tradition!

        Reply
  6. Taylor Deer says

    October 29, 2019 at 3:46 am

    I definitely want to experience this and totally am thinking of doing it next year. All of your photos are so cool and this was a very interesting read. There was so much I didn’t know about this day.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      October 29, 2019 at 4:37 pm

      Ahh you’d love it, no doubt! It’s honestly a magical experience. I can’t wait to go again. Maybe we’ll be there next year – who knows! xx

      Reply
  7. Nini says

    October 29, 2019 at 2:50 am

    You taught me more about this tradition. Good writing bish ??

    Reply
    • Bri says

      October 29, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      xx Thanks Nini!! Me too, I relearned everything again from writing it lol.

      Reply

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The strength of women 💛 These ladies were lau The strength of women 💛 

These ladies were laughing so sweetly while filling up their water jugs at the Manga Hiti fountain in Patan. I watched them for a while and then plucked up the courage to ask if I could take their photos, which only made them giggle more. 

I've always felt that not being able to communicate in the same language makes for even more interesting encounters. Without words, we have to touch each other's humanity with eyes and gestures, and most of the time it leads to unspoken mutual understanding, acceptance, and love. We three walked away with the biggest smiles on our faces. I yelled out "Dhayabad!" (Thank you!) as they hoisted their jugs up the stairs, laughing all the way. I won't forget this shared moment between us 🙏 

Check stories for the landscape orientation for some of these photos ✨ 

#nepal #nepalnow #nepalphotography #nepaliculture #nepalisbeautiful #natgeoyourshot #patan #kathmanduvalley #lifetimeexperiences #photonepal #nepaltravel
Did you feel it? Nepal’s ancient wisdom, its swi Did you feel it? Nepal’s ancient wisdom, its swirling spirituality, its raw humanity? ✨🇳🇵❤️

#nepal #visitnepal #nepalnow #travelstories #localtravel #mindfultravel #slowtravel #natgeotravel
When you say “yes” as a solo traveler and stay When you say “yes” as a solo traveler and stay open to the randomness of life and the kindness of strangers, really wonderful memories can be made. Thank you Lama family and my new Tibetan friends for such a fun and insightful sequence of experiences 🙏 💛

#solotravel #localtravel #nepaltravel #nepaldiaries #nepali #solofemaletravel #kathmandunepal #thamel #tibetanfood #solotraveldiaries
My first week back in the chaos of Kathmandu, 💛 My first week back in the chaos of Kathmandu, 💛 

Being back after 7 long years away has jolted my body, brain, and spirit. At first, I felt overwhelmed with the recurring thought of, "I don't know what to do with myself." It was only when acceptance knocked on my door, and I finally decided to let it in, that things began to shift and flow.
 
In Nepal, particularly Kathmandu, everything around me swarms like a hive. I have nowhere else to go but inside myself. I've discovered through years of slow traveling (and solo travel) that peace awaits me there -- a sense of independence, power, and knowing that is still, comforting, and safe. And I can tap into it whenever I need to.

Chaos and peace reside in all of us, and Nepal has a cosmic, ancient way of reminding you of just that. 

📍 Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur

#nepaltravel #patan #durbarsquare #nepalphotography #slowtravel #nepal #solotravel #lalitpur
They ask, “Why?” I was 29 when I embarked on They ask, “Why?” 

I was 29 when I embarked on the plane on the 21st, and 30 when I disembarked on the 23rd. How fitting. I spent all of my 20s abroad (except for my two final semesters in undergrad), and moved to Nepal when I was 21. 

What better way to say goodbye to my twenties than by returning to the start? I felt the desperate urge to start my 30s this way—alone on a one-way ticket with no concrete plans. I have both feared and longed to come back all these years. You see, I had made a promise to one of my closest Nepali friends that I’d see her again, but the reality is that I no longer can. 

She, along with another dear friend, passed away from cancer a couple of years back. The thought of returning to my old life here without my friends made me, well, incredibly sad. I had thought that, upon landing in Kathmandu—or taking a bite of my first momo—after so long, I’d find myself bursting into tears of both grief and gratitude. But I didn’t. Instead, I found familiarity in the chaos and chaos in the strangeness. 

Just being here—and the decisions and actions it took to get here—has reminded me of the preciousness of this one very short life. And that, by choosing to celebrate mine—at the exciting turn of a decade no less—by coming back to Nepal on a solo trip that would force me into daring discomfort when I could instead retreat to the comforts of family or my partner, is how I want to live it.

Truth is, a couple of months ago the thought of Nepal felt out of reach. It felt risky, unattainable. But the idea itself pushed open, just a crack at first, a door that had been otherwise closed. I could have more easily ignored my “what if?” daydreams—calling them off as too hard, too uncomfortable, or too far-fetched to actually pursue—and kept it shut.
But sometime in mid-July, I decided to look at flights. And I found one (truly, just one) option that could work. And it just so happened that it would fall on my birthday, or rather bridge my birthday. The idea of getting on a plane at 29 and getting off it at 30—back in Nepal—sold me. I fell in love with the story, the adventure, the unknowingness of it all. 

So, yeah. That’s why. Or as I prefer, “Why not?”
Rebuilt, it is indeed different now, but at the sa Rebuilt, it is indeed different now, but at the same time just as I remember: the swirl of incense, spice, sweat, and candle smoke peppering the air; the pigeons cooing and flapping overhead; the Tibetan devotees and tourists melodically shuffling clockwise around the dome; the street dogs curling up in corners; the monks humming and drumming inside monastery halls. 

I’m both at home and a foreigner in a strange land, once more, discovering it all over again with new eyes—just like those of the reborn stupa.

The last time I saw Boudhanath—one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world—was in 2016. It remained under reconstruction after the deadly 2015 earthquakes, so I never got to see it in all its magnificent wonder—until today! 🙏 

And wow, Boudha under the rain this afternoon was just what I had been dreaming of ever since I left Nepal after one year living/studying/working here. 

It’s so good to be back 🥹🇳🇵

📍 Boudhanath Stupa (northeast Kathmandu) — you can catch the local bus here from the airport for only 20-40 Nepalese rupees instead of paying 900 Rs for a taxi 😉 

Save this reel to your Nepal folder and follow along @bucketlistbri 💛

#nepal #boudhanath #kathmandu #lifetimeexperiences #nepaltourism #visitnepal #kathmandunepal #nepalnow #nepalviaje @nepaltourism #nepalnow
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