One of the things that identifies Mexico as a unique country, are its traditions. Over time Mexicans have always had a very particular way of seeing things, party, music, food, drink, life, death… We are a country of rites and ceremonies that have been permeating among his people and transcending the history, that is why this blog is dedicated to one of the most interesting celebrations we have.
Death for our ancestors was just one more stage in the process of the life of a person, of course that continues being a sad and painful event, but pre-Hispanic cultures managed this by giving it a ceremonial character, in which the living could keep contact with the soul of the persons who left and thus continue sharing with them after death.
Night of the Dead in Mexico is held on November 1st and 2nd of each year. Day 1 is devoted to children and the 2nd is for remembering adults.
Forms of celebration:
Altar de muertos:
Is dedicated to the deceased person, has several symbolic elements to invite the soul of the dead person to come to the world of the living.
The main elements are:
A picture of the person to whom is dedicated.
Candles to guide the path of the soul.
Flowers to attract the soul.
Salt to purify the enviroment.
Copal or incense.
Papel picado to decorate and symbolize air.
Fruit to simbolize earth.
Food, beverages, sugar skulls and bread, representing what they liked when they were alive.
Religious articles.
Items that were owned by the dead people in their life.
Visit to the cemeteries:
On November 2 family and friends gather together at the cemetary to pray for their deceased relatives, offering their favorite food and drink. The graves are customized with flowers and candles along with other vouchers of their favorite items when they were alive.
The family keeps an over night vigil for their loved ones, in hopes that they will return for just that night. The cemetary becomes an incredible site, lit by candle light.
Mexican humor
Mexicans have a particular sense of humor, we like to laugh at ourselves as well as the complicated issues, finding laughter a way to carry on difficult times. This gave rise to the character of “La Catrina” which is a skeleton characterized as a lady of high society, as a reminder that death will reach everyone, besides the famous “Calaveritas” wich are short and funny verses dedicated to a person as if they were already dead.
The best places to live the tradition are:
Michoacán, Lake of Patzcuaro.
Huaquechula, Puebla.
Huasteca Potosina.
Mexico City, Mixquic cemetary, Xochimilco.
Aguascalientes.
Skull Festival in San Miguel de Allente Guanajuato.
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See you!