Hurricane Roslyn , Sayulita Mexico, and what it means for Dia de Muertos Festivities 2022
Last Sunday, October 23 category 3 hurricane Roslyn swept through our small town of Sayulita. The devastation was immediate, and sporadic from debris covering the entire length of the beach to mudslides along the river and water/mud flooding many businesses and houses. The town quickly gathered together in an effort to help their neighbors, some of whom are from completely different cultures and backgrounds. Nonetheless, recognizing the tragedy of those who lost everything in the storm. Families were hit the hardest along the river, with piles of mud and water inside their homes, losing photos, clothes, furniture, and much more.
.
In a conversation we had with a local business owner (who lives right on the beach and lost almost everything ) the community somewhat thought this hurricane was just another story of how nature cried wolf – being that many locals and long term residents were frequently warned earlier this year of hurricanes that never came and were repeatedly warned last year of severe storms that never really came to fruition. Roslyn just proved that it is always better to be prepared for the worst and not need it, than to be complacent and taken off guard.
What we saw here was a community of locals and tourists alike picking up shovels and coming together to help during this time. What is more amazing – is that in merely a matter of a few days the town created a Gofundme page that raised over $100,000 USD from local businesses, tourists, and others in an effort to buy these families basic necessities such as clothing, cleaning supplies, mattresses, etc. The Gofundme page has been temporarily paused while the managing group decides the best way to distribute the funds, there are still many ways you can help this community. There are some families who have set up their own gofundme pages for rebuilding businesses and homes which will be linked below. There are also some wellness practitioners hosting classes where all proceeds are being given to the relief effort. Check our calendar for these classes.
*** If you are located in sayulita. The community gofundme founders are looking for people to volunteer that can take on a two week commitment to help with organization and distribution. This will consist of helping sort the inventory of what is at the acopios/ donation centers so that they can get the donations distributed as fast as possible to the right people. This will be a multi person team. If you are interested please contact us directly at our phone number or email us so we can put you in touch with the correct people to volunteer.
Donation Links :
Pro Sayulita’s Hurricane Roslyn Relief Fund:
Sayulita Alivio/Relief de Huracán Roslyn
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1138298890158886/?mibextid=6NoCDW
Sayulita Animals
SayulitAnimales (paypal address: Donate@sayulitanimals.org) was devastated by the hurricane and in need of replacing supplies and equipment to continue their important work of taking care of our furry friends as well so please also keep them in mind for your donations.
Whatsapp Groups
There are also numerous Whatsapp groups that have been setup for people in the area to pitch in and lend a helping hand.
Sayulita Emergency Relief
https://chat.whatsapp.com/ICKpXn1MrFQ3Ua5gFbvCMK
Cocinar / Cooking Organizacion
https://chat.whatsapp.com/KE18ROqcvlT7Segc5p2nND
Volunteer – > https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-saE8TP3CTd-NIommlN6Xdsh5SCK8xQE79sTkl67pdM/edit#gid=0
Hurricane Relief Breathwork
Led by Megan Ashton, and hosted at Sayulita Yoga Center on November 1st at 6pm. 100% of proceeds will be donated to the hurricane relief efforts. Rsvp here
And of course one of the best ways to help is to continue with your vacation plans and come down here and patronize the local businesses. We are seeing a lot of questions on social media and other outlets asking if it is still safe to visit the area. YES, YES, YES!! Through a remarkable effort from many, many people, the beach has been cleared, the beach chairs are back out, the margaritas are flowing and surf’s up! Not to mention we are two days away from one of the most popular and heart warming celebrations of the year. For the first time since Covid this celebration will be in full swing and not one to miss!
What to expect for Dia de Muertos 2022
The tourist parts of town have all been cleaned up by now , which means the town is once again banning together to get ready for Dia de Muertos festivities. The town is encouraging everyone to resume their vacation and normal plans being that the town could use the tourism now more than ever. Activities will resume as normal and you can even expect to celebrate Halloween on Monday October 31.
Celebrations will be held in the main plaza for:
Halloween
October 31 starting at 8:00pm
Dia de Muertos
November 01 starting at 7:00 pm
November 02 starting at 8:00pm
Other festivities for Halloween include Hula Sayulita where they will have a Halloween party and costume contest.
Additional festivities for Dia de Muertos can be expected to be found at Viajero Hostel, Selina Hostel, and Hula Sayulita.
Sayulita proves time and again that it is indeed a magic town, where it seems as if streamers are put up by fairies overnight (aka the hard working men and women) despite a recent natural disaster. If you are planning to come for Dia de Muertos, don’t forget to also give back to the resilient community, and of course enjoy all the festivities!
