The Crying Contest: When sadness becomes fun – Level 2

Every year in San Juan del Río, Mexico, there’s a special contest where women called “plañideras” compete to see who can cry the most dramatically during Day of the Dead celebrations. In the past, these women were hired to cry at funerals to make the event feel even sadder, but now it’s a fun event that people go to with their families for entertainment. The contestants pretend to grieve for two people—one chosen ahead of time and one revealed on the spot—and their performance lasts one minute. It’s common for participants to act in theatrical ways, like throwing themselves over a coffin or pounding their chests, to win the judges’ attention.

Judges decide who gives the best performance by looking at creativity, costumes, how real the crying feels, and how dramatic the body language is. Winners get money and recognition, but many contestants say they enjoy making the audience laugh and applaud even more. The contest has become a big attraction, and hundreds of spectators come every year to see who can act the saddest in the funniest way. Even though the crying might look real, the goal is to have fun and celebrate Mexican traditions.

This contest is unique to Mexico and shows how people can find ways to mix old customs with new ideas. It also proves that traditions can change and become part of a community’s joyful celebrations. Everyone can watch for free, and some locals have become famous for their yearly performances.

Bridging words

These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?

Time to discuss

• Do you think this contest is funny or strange?
• Would you be brave enough to join it?
• Why do you think people like to watch others pretend to cry?

Let's write

Answer the following questions in one paragraph:

• Think about a tradition in your country and write about how it makes people feel.
• Would you rather take part in this contest or just watch? Explain why.