Despite an announcement earlier this month that Puerto Peñasco’s three cemeteries would be open for the traditional commemoration of Day of the Dead, this is no longer the case.
Municipal Secretary Terencio Gutierrez Valenzuela, along with Municipal Health Coordinator Dr. Oscar Castro, reported this decision is based on ongoing analysis of Covid-19 spikes both locally and regionally. They announced the city’s cemeteries will be closed Nov. 1st and 2nd, goal of which is to prevent large gatherings of people in general.
Nov. 1st – Día de Todos los Santos – and Nov. 2nd – Día de los Muertos – are the most traditional days in Mexico to visit cemeteries in honor of those who have passed. Though cemeteries will be closed these two days, as they were for Mother’s and Father’s Day, the City officials indicated people can plan to visit their dearly departed either before or after these dates. Health regulations remain in effect, including mandatory use of masks, small groups, and social distancing. In addition, alcohol is not permitted at any time within the city cemeteries. Furthermore, there will be no permits for vendors traditionally set up outside cemeteries for Day of the Dead.
The Municipal Secretary noted ongoing evaluations of spikes in Covid-19 may push the citywide curfew from midnight back to 10 pm at some point in the future. Currently, the midnight curfew remains in effect.
Halloween
Though various establishments across Puerto Peñasco are planning Halloween fiestas and costume contests as in years past, Dr. Oscar Castro emphasized bars/ restaurants must still comply with the Letter of Commitment signed with the City during this year’s earlier reopening phases. This includes complying with restrictions on the number of people allowed in each establishment, as well as social distancing regulations. The Municipal Health Coordinator indicated notices have and will be sent out to area bars/restaurants, reminding business owners and managers of compliance guidelines to prevent mass gatherings of people.
Halloween from Home, por favor
With respect to other Halloween plans this year, Municipal Secretary Terencio Gutierrez continues to urge Puerto Peñasco families to refrain from having children go out, emphasizing the pandemic remains very much active across Puerto Peñasco.