Day of the Dead is known for its bright colors, sugar skulls, and some pretty incredible face painting. I’ve heard people often refer to it as “Mexican Halloween” but let me tell you it’s far different. While we run around on Halloween dressed as ghosts, telling horror stories, and collecting candies, another group of people are getting ready to welcome guests from beyond the grave.
Photo courtesy of Puelosmexico.com.mx
I never knew that Día de los Muertos is actually 2-3 days long. Many family and friends head out after dark on October 31st for a vigil at their cemetery. November 1st is dedicated to remembering children and is known as “Día de los Angelitos” while November 2nd is to remember the adults, “Día de los Difuntos”.
Photo courtesy of Pinterest
Did you know that there is a specific flower and even specific food dedicated to this holiday? Marigolds are the official flower of Día de los Muertos and it is said to attract the souls. You’ll often here “Ya huele a muertos” which means it’s starting to smell like death because the flowers are placed almost everywhere. Dead bread, or Pan de Muerto, is a rich sweet bread with “bones” crossed over the top, a hint of citrus, and is covered in sugar. And while it’s the official food of the celebration it also shared with the spirits and typically placed on altars.
Photo courtesy of Festival Vida Y Muerte
The one thing I have really taken away from this holiday is that it really is a celebration. A celebration of life and death. The guests from beyond the grave aren’t scary, they are our loved ones who walk amongst us again as we remember them fondly with stories and celebrate the lives that they lived.
Photo courtesy of grupoexperienciasxcaret.com
The best place to celebrate Día de los Muertos, in our opinion, is Xcaret Park. Each year they have Festival Vida Y Muerte. For 4 days this park transforms at night and comes alive. Walking through the park and taking part in everything it has to offer is like being a part of something bigger, it is like a rhythm, a pulse if you will, that you become a part of.
Have you ever celebrated Día de los Muertos before? What traditions do you have? Share with us in the comments below!
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