Beyond Day of The Dead: Dark Tourism and Historical Narratives in Mexico
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study examines the representation and commercialisation of underrepresented dark tourism sites in Mexico, focusing on Mitla (Oaxaca), the Tlatelolco Memorial (Mexico City), and the House of Sorrows (Guanajuato). Using ethnographic observation, narrative analysis, and semi-structured interviews, the research explores how these sites navigate the line between historical commemoration and market-driven narratives. The findings highlight key challenges, including the exclusion of local voices, the prioritisation of spectacle over education, and the marginalisation of deeper cultural and historical meanings. While these sites hold significant potential for fostering critical engagement with history, their current presentation often emphasises entertainment, limiting their educational impact. The study argues for a more inclusive and ethically responsible approach to dark tourism, advocating for greater integration of local perspectives, the development of interpretive resources, and strategies to enhance visitor engagement beyond sensationalism. By repositioning these sites as spaces of reflection and cultural preservation, this research contributes to broader discussions on how dark tourism can evolve to provide a more meaningful and balanced representation of the past.
Author: Dr. Mark Speakman
Institution: Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6911861947
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