It's that time of the year again when I share my favorite holiday in Mexico which is the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) festivities. I consider this national festival so very special that this is my fifth consecutive blog posting covering this annual tradition. This year I will also be including the giant "Catrinas" that made their appearance on the Puerto Vallarta malecon last year for the first time. So let's refresh our memories as to what Day of the Dead is all about and what customs are associated with it.
The origins of the Dia de Muertos are rooted in Mesoamerican culture and possibly Aztec festivals that celebrated the goddess Mictecacihuatl. Like the memory of a loved one that never fades, Dia de Los Muertos also survives. It may change and evolve, but it has never vanished. The Spaniards soon realized this when they arrived in central Mexico in the 16th century. They viewed the ritual which was started by the Aztecs some 300 years ago as sacrilegious.
The Aztec Empire's influence extended throughout present-day Mexico and Central America. The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died and to help support their spiritual journey. In 2008, the traditions of this national holiday was inscribed in the UNESCO INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE LISTS
Day of the Dead celebrations run from October 31st though November 2nd each year coinciding with the similar Roman Catholic celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. November 1st is referred to as Dia de los Inocentes or Angelitos (Day of the Innocents or Little Angels) and is reserved for honoring deceased children while November 2nd is for deceased adults. While the idea of celebrating death might seem morbid in many societies in Mexico it’s quite the opposite. Death is not considered the end, but a new beginning.
The following traditions are also associated with the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. All of them are unique and wonderful.
La Catrina
This "video" creation was made from photographs taken on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta last year of larger than life "Catrinas." I am hoping she will return for an encore appearance this year. I found her story and history so fascinating that I wrote a separate blog posting two years ago which I invite you to enjoy at the following link: LA CATRINA OF DAY OF THE DEAD FAME
The construction of altars is perhaps the principal custom of this longstanding celebration. Often decorated in vibrant oranges and purples before being piled high with ofrendas (offerings) such as candles, flowers, and personal possessions, these altares (altars) are generally more private affairs that are built at home.
However, in many communities such as Patzcuaro, Michoacan families construct them right at the graveside of the deceased. Nowadays altars are also prepared in most public buildings. The planning can often take months, but the results can be spectacular.
Altars are usually decorated with flowers, candles, pan de muerto, ceramic skulls, and most importantly pictures of loved ones. Food placed on the altar consists of the deceased favorite dishes and treats. Drinks are also placed in the altar to quench the thirst of the dead from their long journey back home. Isn't this simply wonderful!
Making Ofrendas (offerings) to the Dead
This custom goes hand-in-hand with the construction of the emblematic altars as families select a variety of ofrendas (offerings) which they believe encourage the deceased to return home and hear the prayers of their loved ones.
Using Cempasuchiles (Mexican marigolds)
This is a favorite photograph which is a real life painted "sugar skull" face and I think spectacular.
The term "sugar skull" actually comes from the Mexican Day of the Dead festivities and is perhaps the most globally emblematic symbol of both the holiday and Mexico in general. Sugar skulls represent a departed soul with the name written on the forehead and was placed on the home altar or gravestone to honor the return of a particular spirit.
Sugar skulls reflect the folk art style of big happy smiles with colorful icing and sparkly tin and glittery adornments. The reason they are called “sugar skulls” is because the authentic sugar skulls were made out of clay molded sugar, decorated with feathers, colored beads, foils, and icing.
Holding Graveside Vigils
Although some stay at home on the night of November 1st and the early hours of November 2nd holding graveside vigils is still common in many Mexican communities and is most definitely one of this celebration’s most iconic traditions. People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed where they build private altars containing the favorite foods and beverages as well as photos and memorabilia of the departed.
The intent is to encourage visits by the souls in order that the departed will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them. Celebrations can take a humorous tone as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed. Another Day of the Dead tradition which I really like!
Eating Pan de Muerto
Another common tradition during the Day of the Dead period is the consumption of pan de muerto (bread of the dead). Fortunately this bread is not made from dead people irregardless of its name. It is actually a lightly orange flavored sweet bread which has skeleton bone-like decorations on top and which is covered with a healthy coating of sugar.
Cleaning and Decorating Graves
Although not all families can honor their loved ones at the cemetery itself, the tradition of cleaning the grave is still respected by most. This task usually includes cleaning up the area surrounding the headstone and leaving cempasuchil flowers.
A complete altar is often constructed here also. Graveyards during the Day of the Dead celebrations, contrary to what might be expected, actually take on the atmosphere of a festive social gathering.
Displays of Calacas
A calaca (a colloquial Mexican Spanish name for skeleton) is a figure usually used for decoration during the Day of the Dead festival. As with other aspects of this national festival, calacas are generally depicted as joyous rather than mournful figures. They are often shown wearing festive clothing, dancing, and playing musical instruments to indicate a happy afterlife.
Calacas also reflect the Mexican belief that no dead soul likes to be thought of sadly and that death should be an occasion for fond memories. This goes back to Aztec beliefs, one of the few traditions to remain after the Spanish conquest.
Sharing of Memories
And last, but not least, one of the most interesting of customs that takes place during the Day of the Dead festivities is the sharing of amusing anecdotes and memories about the deceased.
The fondness for telling funny tales ultimately comes from the believ that the deceased would rather not be remembered somberly, but cheerfully. This is a tradition often excluded from popular culture because of the highly intimate nature of it, but it is representative of the wide respect for oral traditions in Mexican culture. And I say bravo!
In my opinion some of the best places to enjoy the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico include the following: The island of Janitzio in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Chiapas, Yucatan, and of course, grandiose Mexico City.
For a fantastic video experience go to the following YouTube link and feel as though you are in Mexico City for the annual Day of Dead parade. Casting it to your television is definitely a fun experience.
https://youtu.be/s03H9XQjH40
The larger than life Catrinas who made their debut on Puerto Vallarta's malecon (boardwalk) last year for the Day of the Dead celebrations sincerely appreciate your visit and look forward to seeing you again next year for the annual Day of Dead celebrations.
In closing, this link will take you to my DAY OF THE DEAD BLOG POSTING 2017 which links to my Day of the Dead postings for 2014, 2015, and 2016 in case you would like to learn and enjoy more of this amazing tradition and holiday.
With their best regards from Puerto Vallarta, the Catrinas of the Day of the Dead celebrations.
