Cementerio de Calderón

Andean cemetery with painted family tombs and Day of the Dead traditions

The municipal cemetery at the edge of Calderón is a striking example of indigenous Andean burial tradition. Family tombs are painted in bright primary colours — pinks, blues, yellows — and decorated with photographs, plastic flowers, and small offerings.

It comes alive on Día de los Difuntos, 2 November, when families clean and repaint the graves, lay out food and drink, and spend the day among their dead. Outside that single day it is quiet and worth a calm wander, though as in any cemetery be respectful with photographs.

things to do sight
A story
On 2 November, families gather here for the Day of the Dead with picnics of colada morada — a sweet purple porridge made from black corn, blueberries, and tropical fruits — and t'anta wawas, bread babies. The mazapán craft for which Calderón is famous began as a side use of the same bread dough.