The word Xandu’ means “holy” in Zapotec and is the name given to the celebration of “The Day of the Dead” or “All Saints’ Day” in Juchitán (Oaxaca, Mexico). This day is very important to the Zapotec community, as it is a time of celebration and reflection on life and death.
Unlike in other places, in Juchitán the celebration begins on October 23 or 25, with prayers and vigils. It continues in this way, and from October 28th, the people visit the main market to buy all the things they will use in the altars.
Both men and women participate in the construction of the altar, also called biguie’ (or biye’), which includes elements such as arches and walls decorated with banana leaves and supported by sugar cane.
Making the Biguie’
Last October 31st, friends, neighbours and volunteers from the community arrived early in the morning to help build the biguie’. This altar bears the colours of life and death: the green of the guie’ daana’ (bush sage), the yellow of the guie’ bigua (marigold) and the red of the guie’ yaana’ (rooster’s comb).
From the outset, one group was responsible for collecting the guie’ daana’ (bush sage). For this activity, it was necessary to attend the high school in Santa María Xadani, an educational institution with which GPG is associated, and whose director donated a tree to have in the Community House.
Once organised in the Community House, participants were divided into stations:
- Palm roof area, where they wove the biguie’. This offering for the dead has a square shape inside which geometric figures are formed.
The biguie’ was related to the Zapotec 260-day ritual calendar. It has to do with time and also with the jaguar. The square shape of the biguie’ is called beedxe’ (jaguar) and the cross that adorns it is called ique beedxe’ (jaguar head). This feline was highly venerated in the isthmic lands because of its association with caves, water and life.
The Zapotecs said that there were four jaguars in the four corners of the world supporting it. For this reason, this format of offering was chosen as it is the oldest and most traditional.
- Gallery area: the structure of the portal was made with banana bunches that were harvested in the Community House as part of the environmental axis.
- Floor area: the mat was placed, it was decorated with flowers, and the offerings were placed. Some people (neighbours, teachers, Zapotec folk) who attended the assembly of the biguie’ brought flowers, bread, candles and fruits as offerings for this community altar.






Bií Xandu’ Event
Grandparents say that from the first day of October, the spirits of the dead are given permission to visit their relatives. When this wind is felt in the air, it is called Bií Xandu’ (wind of all the saints). This essence inaugurates the Zapotec festivities called Xandu’.
The Community House recognises and promotes the importance of these traditions. For this reason, an event called Bií Xandu’ was held, which consists of a Zapotec storytelling competition with the format of story and treats and different artistic numbers.
The event began with the entrance of the Community House music club and the character of “Ta José”, an artist and cultural animator with a great passion for celebrating traditions. Thanks to the Zapotec language, he connected with children and adults.
Later came the troubadour José Amador, who delighted the audience with songs in Zapotec while the champurrado (typical Mexican drink) and bread were distributed to the participants.
Afterwards, a literary contest in Zapotec was held, with the participation of four children from the Heliodoro Charis Castro School and one child from the Año de Juárez School, where Fabian Guerra Mendoza and Dulce Díaz acted as judges.
The children of the music club also participated in its two modalities “Pre-Hispanic” and “Regional Band”, performing songs with the Xandu’ theme. The girls of the dance club presented the number “La Llorona” with an original performance.
The young Xquendas Volunteers at the Community House are an integral part of the efforts to strengthen cultural and social ties in the community. With their energy and enthusiasm, these young people are involved in various activities that promote culture, education and the well-being of all. They are an inspiring example to the new generations, showing that everyone can contribute to enriching their environment. Their commitment and dedication reflect the importance of working together to create a more vibrant and cohesive future.
As the end of the event, volunteers Josué and Jayad performed two pieces of music for the public, and the community was invited to watch the communitybiguie’, created with a lot of hard work and enthusiasm.
“I am happy to see young children speaking Zapotec, and also that there are places where our language is promoted. At home we should teach our children to say it with everyday things, for example “Dane naa’ ti vaso de leche”, but the correct thing to say is “Dane naa’ ti cuba nidxi’”, because otherwise we are mixing Zapotec with Spanish and that is not correct. I am grateful to know this space”. Fabian Guerra, judge of the literary creation contest.




