First of all, a clarification is necessary. Although the dates are the same, in Mexico there is no question of All Saints’ Day or the famous American Halloween, whose customs have spread throughout Western countries. El Dia de Los Muertos is certainly the most important traditional celebration in the country and has been for over 3000 years! Discovering this most colorful and picturesque celebration in Latin America will certainly be one of the most beautiful experiences you will have.
The Origins Of The Festival Of The Dead (Halloween)
The Mexican Festival of the Dead is probably one of the oldest traditions in the country, as it has its origins in the Aztec civilization, even before the colonization of the Spaniards. At that time, the living used to celebrate their death twice a year: Miccaihuitontli, to celebrate the children and Hueymiccalhuitl for the adults. After the arrival of the Spaniards on the continent, as fervent Catholics, it was decided that the traditional Mexican feast day would coincide with the Catholic calendar, on November 1st and 2nd.
Hundreds of years later, the whole country comes alive during three days of festivities, between ancestral Aztec customs and Catholic beliefs. The event is now even listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO!
Honoring The Dead With Joy
El Dia de Los Muertos celebrates the return of the dead from Earth and to do so, nothing is too good to welcome them. From the evening of October 31, the festivities begin with the commemoration of the spirits of the departed children, “Los angelitos”, until November 1. From November 2, the spirits of adults are celebrated.
This tradition is explained by Mexican beliefs and cosmology, which considers that death is not an end, but the beginning of a new journey, a stage in the birth-death cycle. The living therefore must pass on the memory of the deceased and improve their new lives by honoring them with songs, dances, and offerings.
The Day Of The Dead
If you are in Mexico during this period, you will be immersed in long festivities, adorned with multitudes of flowers, traditional dishes, decorations, and costumes, but also with parades and music that you won’t be able to resist! Exit the catholic tradition where the commemoration is done in meditation and sadness. During El Dia de Los Muertos, the living must welcome the spirits of their dead with joy and happiness.
In every home, there are altars dedicated to the deceased, relatives, or loved ones. According to tradition, these altars must have seven floors to respect the seven stages that the soul goes through before finding rest. But the most important thing is that they are decorated with photos of the deceased, personal objects, flowers of all colors as well as the emblematic flower of Mexico, the zempaxuchitl, those beautiful orange flowers that you will find everywhere at this time.
The altars are also covered with candles and incense to ward off evil spirits, but above all with food such as el pan de Los Muertos, the bread of the dead, las Calaveras, sugar skulls, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes for the adults, and a lot of sweets for the children.
On November 2, each family heads to the cemeteries, which come alive for a day of festivities. People picnic on the graves, drink to the health of the dead, sing and dance non-stop to the rhythm of the music, which does not stop either! Then the parades are formed to pass from the tomb to tomb and from the cemetery to the cemetery. For this day, the locals have dressed up in beautiful costumes and colorful makeup in the image of the Calavera. The festival takes on the air of a giant carnival during which thousands of flower petals are thrown, called cempoalxúchit, and always accompanied by candles that guide the souls.
Where And How To Celebrate El Dia De Los Muertos
For the occasion, the whole country makes a point of celebrating the traditional festivities but for the tourists that we are, some places remain magical and must be seen!
Of course, you can stay in the capital to enjoy the party. Let’s go to the South of Mexico City, in the district of San Andrès Mixquic. Very famous for being one of the most beautiful representations of the Dia de Los Muertos, you will be impressed by the preparations of the district of Tláhuac, the village and its church which are decorated with the most beautiful flowers while the festivities are in full swing, between stalls, parades, and shows.
The region of Lake Patzcuaro in Michoacán is also well known for its new way of celebrating the dead with a vigil around the lake. You can also go to the island of Janitzio where the festivities are famous for the decorated cemeteries lit by thousands of candles.
Finally, for those who are particularly fond of the festival atmosphere, head to the famous eco-archaeological park known as Xcaret Park in Cancun. You will attend the most beautiful and impressive parades as well as concerts and shows that will also celebrate El Dia de Los Muertos.
Whether it’s family-friendly or festive and danceable, the atmosphere is always there during the Day of the Dead. However, don’t forget that this holiday is an opportunity for the locals to honor their dead. So be sure to celebrate, but with respect and humility, while thanking the many families who will open their doors and offer you delicious food to share.
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