# The Muerteada in Villa de Etla: Tradition, Mysticism, and Folklore that Bring the Day of the Dead to Life
# The Muerteada in Villa de Etla: Tradition, Mysticism, and Folklore that Bring the Day of the Dead to Life
More than 300 women have been announced to participate in this year’s performance in the community of Matadamas.
More than 300 women have been announced to participate in this year’s performance in the community of Matadamas.
 [](https://www.oaxacainforma.com/images/cultura/2025/2510/the-muerteada-villa-de-etla-tradition-mysticism-folklore-day-of-the-dead.jpg "The Muerteada in Villa de Etla: Tradition, Mysticism, and Folklore that Bring the Day of the Dead to Life")[The Muerteada in Villa de Etla: Tradition, Mysticism, and Folklore that Bring the Day of the Dead to Life](https://www.oaxacainforma.com/images/cultura/2025/2510/the-muerteada-villa-de-etla-tradition-mysticism-folklore-day-of-the-dead.jpg "The Muerteada in Villa de Etla: Tradition, Mysticism, and Folklore that Bring the Day of the Dead to Life")
#### [The Muerteada in Villa de Etla: Tradition, Mysticism, and Folklore that Bring the Day of the Dead to Life.](https://www.oaxacainforma.com/images/cultura/2025/2510/the-muerteada-villa-de-etla-tradition-mysticism-folklore-day-of-the-dead.jpg "The Muerteada in Villa de Etla: Tradition, Mysticism, and Folklore that Bring the Day of the Dead to Life") |Photo: [Courtesy](https://oaxacainforma.com "Courtesy")
[ Redacción Oaxaca Informa ](https://www.oaxacainforma.com/es/redactores "Redacción Oaxaca Informa")
- 19/10/2025
- 18:10
- [ Cultura ](https://www.oaxacainforma.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=14&lang=es-ES)
The traditional **Muerteada of Villa de Etla** is evolving, and for 2025 the novelty will be an all-women version titled **“Muerteada Femenil: Las Meras Meras”**. Around 300 participants will take part, wearing regional costumes or creative disguises and dancing to the rhythm of the band through the streets of **Matadamas** on November 1 and 2.
Traditionally, **muerteadas or comparsas** were performed exclusively by men. However, over time, women have gained a space in these lively events that celebrate the Day of the Dead.
**The Muerteada of Villa de Etla** is a theatrical performance in which a person who has died returns to life with the help of priests, doctors, and spiritualists. The play takes place in the town center and in the homes visited along the route, all accompanied by traditional brass band music and humorous verses.
**This tradition, which dates back over 80 years**, is recognized for preserving its original essence, using traditional costumes to portray the main characters — about 30 people, including elders, priests, spiritualists, the dead, death, the devil, and others.
## Where is Matadamas located?
**Matadamas is a community in the Municipality of Soledad Etla**, with a population of just over 1,200 inhabitants. Its main economic activity is dairy production, particularly quesillo (Oaxacan string cheese).