Day of the Dead. It sounds ominous but it is actually a celebration. I have always been fascinated with this Mexican holiday and its traditions and festivities. I love the bright colors, fun music, decorated skulls, shrines with pictures and treats for their loved ones, and the food. My husband and I were in San Diego a few years ago for Dia de los Muertos in Old Town. Talk about a party! This is an event with multiple sub-events that span from October 28th to November 2nd if you celebrate everything.
Dia de los Muertos is a time when families gather to remember those they have lost and when the souls of the dead are invited to return to visit the living for a reunion, hence the celebration. Families create ofrendas (offerings/altars) to entice their loved ones back. These might contain a photo of the person, their favorite foods, orange and yellow marigolds, clothing, food, water, sugar skulls, tequila, toys, and other items. Each one having a specific meaning and purpose. It is a joy-filled time with music being played at all hours in homes and cemeteries.
One day is set aside to celebrate souls who died in accidentados (accidents). Another is dedicated to celebrate the souls of los angelitos (children). The altars of children are covered with toys, candies, and the child’s favorite snacks. Still another day is reserved to celebrate the souls of los difuntos (adults). Family members get together to reminisce, play games, and dance. The final day is the big celebration where everyone comes together in their cities for parades and parties, they get dressed up, and paint their faces. They may also visit the cemeteries of their loved ones and decorate the grave sites. This day is a public grand finale. Different parts of the world celebrate this day differently but it usually consists of a lot of food, drinks, and dancing.
When you see the calavera (sugar skulls) their faces are painted with smiles instead of frowns. This is done to laugh at death itself. Family members place marigold flowers on the altars to guide the spirits in. They are believed to be pathways for the spirits because of their vibrant colors and pungent scent. And why is water placed on the altars? Because the returning souls will most likely be thirsty after their long journeys.
As I was flying to England to visit my sister, I was watching a movie over the shoulder of one of the people in front of me. It’s usually how I end up watching movies on the plane. I know, odd, and a story for another day. Anyway, I was enjoying this silent film which was a cartoon that looked like it was about the Day of the Dead. Sure enough, it was! Disney-Pixar made a movie called Coco which was around this celebration. On the way home, I actually watched it for myself with sound. It was cute, as most Disney-Pixar movies are, and one I recommend.
If you have the chance to experience this celebration immersed in a Mexican-cultured neighborhood, city, or country you should! I’m certain you will come away with a new appreciation for all of the planning that goes into these few days, and have a great time while you’re at it.
Have you ever planned a Dia de los Muertos celebration? What did you learn? Share it with all of us or send it to me in a email!
Share this blog with other event planners, your friends and neighbors and don’t forget to like it!
All information & references came from the following two websites:|
1.DayfOfTheDead.Holiday. https://dayofthedead.holiday/
2.DayOfTheDeadNYC.org. Meaning of The Day of The Dead. https://dayofthedeadnyc.org/meaning-of-the-day-of-the-dead/
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