In Mexico City, the canals and trajineras fill with melodies, colors, and traditions during a festival that mixes and celebrates Mexico’s past and present. “La Llorona” is a multidisciplinary show of music, theater, and dance that takes place in the ecological and chinampa zone of Xochimilco, in the Tlílac lagoon. Year after year, the exhibition aims to commemorate a historical moment in the country or give voice to some current or outstanding event. Through dance, costumes, and staging, the audience has the opportunity to remember, become aware, and take action on the subject.
Starting at the Cuemanco Pier, the musical offers the audience a completely different perspective of the famous Mexican legend. While the performance takes place annually, this season, the proposal for “La Llorona en Xochimilco” sought the producer César Perrin to carry out a very ambitious project that will exceed expectations.
Mystery and Folklore “Oh, my children!” The haunting cry from beyond the grave can be faintly heard among the canals and streets of Mexico’s capital. The legend of pre-Hispanic Mayan and Aztec origin tells the story of a woman who, in a fit of madness, murdered her children during the night. Upon realizing the horrifying act she had just committed, the mother ran to the river, exclaiming the famous lament that people claim to hear even now.
During October and November, “La Llorona en Xochimilco” recreates this story in approximately 45 minutes, paying tribute to the 500 years of the Spanish invasion in a way that neither victimizes nor criminalizes the event since the Mexican identity “is a product of it.” César Perrin assures that the format of the play will make this show comparable to Broadway, as the stage will be a 15-meter-high trajinera, equipped with a 120-square-meter screen with subtitles available. The audio and lighting team will ensure an immersive experience for the audience.
A Multisensory Experience
Under the moonlight and in the mystical and ancient canals of Xochimilco, attendees will begin to live the play from the moment they set sail on the trajinera. The rowers will journey through the nine levels of Mictlán before arriving at the stage, where the story of the sinister character of La Llorona will be performed.
The entire journey has an approximate duration of three hours since the multisensory experience is divided into three parts: the outbound tour, the show, and the return journey. For the area, it is recommended to dress warmly and use eco-friendly insect repellent. Likewise, during the ride and at certain times, vendors will approach offering hot drinks, corn on the cob, esquites, and other Mexican snacks. However, it is important to note that there are no restrooms available during the event.
Costs, Dates, and Health Regulations
La Llorona en Xochimilco is prepared to welcome anyone who wishes to witness this magical spectacle. For this purpose, the trajineras will have a limited capacity of 20 people, with a two-meter space between each person. At the entrance, there will be sanitization arches and hand sanitizer gel. Additionally, the trajineras are constantly sanitized.
Tickets for the play will be available for purchase starting from October 5th, at a cost of 570 pesos per person. Likewise, there is the option to rent the entire trajinera for the price of 8,800 pesos. From October 8th to November 30th, two shows will be presented weekly, from Friday to Sunday at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
With the arrival of October, activities, events, and preparations for the traditional Day of the Dead begin. Without a doubt, this is an experience full of folklore, music, and dance, perfect for celebrating the season and one you shouldn’t miss.
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