| Keyword |
Description |
| Plañideras |
Women hired to cry at funerals, now competing in contests |
| Day of the Dead |
Mexican holiday to honor and remember the deceased |
| Authenticity |
How genuine or real the mourning performances feel to the judges |
The National Mourners Contest is one of Mexico’s most unique cultural events, taking place every year during Day of the Dead celebrations in San Juan del Río, Querétaro. In this competition, women called “plañideras” perform their most dramatic displays of grief, aiming to win prizes for their authenticity and creativity. The tradition of hiring mourners to cry at funerals has ancient roots, beginning in Egypt and arriving in Mexico via Spain. While professional mourning has disappeared elsewhere, in Mexico it survives as a theatrical and humorous contest.
Rather than focusing on tragedy, the event has a lighthearted and fun atmosphere. Participants want people to laugh and enjoy themselves with their families, not to feel more sorrow. Some contestants, like Karla Alvarado and her mother, have become local celebrities after years of competing. The performance involves dedicating tears to two deceased individuals, one chosen beforehand and another revealed onstage, with each crying performance lasting one minute. Dramatic gestures—like throwing themselves over a coffin—add excitement and humor to the contest, making it a popular tourist attraction.
Judges score the performances based on creativity, outfit, acting, and body language. Crying is seen as a way to “cleanse the soul,” according to one previous winner, and the act of making others cry or react emotionally is considered meaningful. Winners receive cash prizes: 6,000 pesos for first place, and awards for originality and other outstanding qualities. The contest has become an annual highlight for both locals and visitors, seamlessly blending ancient tradition and modern entertainment.
This contest demonstrates how Mexican culture celebrates life even in the face of death by turning mourning into community fun. It keeps history alive while generating new shared experiences. Attending the contest is free, and everyone is welcome to participate in or witness this remarkable celebration. The event highlights creativity, emotion, and the adaptability of tradition in contemporary Mexico.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Humorous |
Humorístico |
| Language |
Lenguaje |
| Contemporary |
Contemporáneo |
Time to discuss
- What do you think about making mourning into a humorous event?
- Should traditions be changed to fit modern times?
- How does this contest affect people's view of death?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Describe a tradition in your culture that mixes celebration with sadness.
- Do you think emotional performances can be judged fairly? Why or why not?
