Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a two-day festival that takes place every 1st and 2nd November in Mexico and throughout Latin America. Although the celebration falls at the same time of year, and uses the emblems of skeletons, the celebration has nothing to do with Hallowe’en (All Hallows Eve), which is a European tradition with roots in Pagan religions.
Dia de los Muertos has its origins in both Aztec tradition and Catholic observance of All Saints Day (1st of November) and All Souls Day (2nd of November). Representations of calacas (skeletons) and calaveras (skulls) are common, and one of the best places to witness the festivites is Oaxaca in southern Mexico.
Calacas and calaveras are everywhere on Dia de los Muertos: masks, makeup, posters, and decorative figurines. Sweets, such as pan de muertos (bread of the dead) and spun-sugar figures are common treats for Dia de los Muertos. The sweet candy is a balance to the bitterness of death.
Calaveras de azucar are sugar skulls decorated in bright colors that are eaten or left for the dead in ofrendas (small, personal altars) or graves, along with marigolds and white orchids. Puebla, about an hour south of Mexico City is famous for its many sweet shops and has some of the finest examples of sugar skulls.
Dia de los Muertos celebrates death as a part of the human experience. Tradition holds that the dead would be offended by grieving and sadness, so festivities honor them with laughter and joy. On Dia de los Muertos, the dead are awakened to become a vibrant part of the community and are celebrated with objects and activities they enjoyed in life, such as food, drink, and music.
Although the celebration is bittersweet and its symbols macabre, Dia de los Muertos usually maintains a happy atmosphere well into the evening. It is an intriguing and exciting festival for any visitor to witness. Speak to us at Putney Travel to find out more about travel to Mexico or any part of Central America.
by TMS