While we celebrate Halloween here in the United States on October 31, complete with creepy ghouls, dress-up parties and, of course, trick-or-treating, those in Mexico celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 1 and 2. While it may seem like a macabre reason to travel to visit our southern neighbors, it’s actually a colorful, beautiful ritual in order to honor those who have passed on. If you will be traveling in Mexico in early November, here are some of the festivities that you might expect during Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
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The Altar Each family who is participating in Day of the Dead will clean and arrange an area of the home in order to accommodate the altar. Typically, the altar is a covered table and might include boxes or crates, which might be covered to act as raised areas, or left uncovered to function as shelves. This is where the observations occur in the home. If you are traveling through Mexico at this time, of course, you won’t see this unless you are staying in or visiting a private home.
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Special Foods Certain foods are served during Dia de los Muertos that lend to the sacredness of the day. Pan de Muerto, a glazed, sweetened bread, is enjoyed by children and adults alike. The bread is baked as a loaf, but then leftover dough is fashioned into the shapes of skulls and bones. Candied pumpkin, chocolate coffins and candy skulls are eaten by the living, as well as placed on the altars to commemorate the dead. A warm gruel called atole is also left on the altar or consumed by those celebrating. These foods are available at markets and stores during October.
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Decorations Many of the decorating motifs that you will see displayed will be reminiscent of those displayed during Halloween in the United States. These include skulls, skeletons and coffins. You’ll also see costumes for sale in the stores, as the children will go door-to-door, dressed up, in order to collect candy and fruit from their neighbors, just as children here go trick-or-treating. Also, marigolds are sold and displayed, as they are considered flowers of the dead.
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Offerings People will leave offerings on their altars for the deceased, as the belief is that the souls of those who have passed on will come to visit. These can vary, but might include photographs; razors, soap and other toiletries; candles; food; crosses and other religious paraphernalia; flowers and other items. If a family has lost a child, there may be toys and other childhood items displayed as an offering.
- Parades Far from being a somber affair, Dia de los Muertos is actually a celebratory event, and it features parades and other fun. There may be musicians going around playing instruments and singing, and there might be animals in the parades. Vendors will set up their wares on the streets leading to cemeteries, because families who are visiting their relatives’ graves will often stop to eat or to purchase trinkets.
Visiting Mexico during the Day of the Dead is an interesting cultural experience that shouldn’t be skipped over if you have the option. Have you ever traveled to this region while Dia de los Muertos was being observed? Share your experience with our readers!
