Day of the Dead in Mexico: Magical atmosphere in cemeteries

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Candlelight in the dark of the night, orange flowers on the graves: On the Day of the Dead, relatives of the deceased are commemorated in cemeteries in Mexico.

For Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, many families set up colorfully decorated altars in their homes featuring photos of the deceased, their favorite foods and drinks, and souvenirs.

Dia de Muertos

In Mexico, the tradition is maintained mainly in indigenous communities. Deceased adults are commemorated on November 2, and children are commemorated the day before. It is said that on these days, the souls of family members come to visit from the afterlife. UNESCO added this tradition to the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. In cities, tradition is now mixed with the new tradition of dressing and make-up.

Celebrations in the capital started with a colorful parade, primarily for tourist purposes. Thousands of spectators in Mexico City were amazed by the spectacle of parades and costumed people. The parade is modeled after one seen in the 2015 James Bond movie “Spectre.” It has been held every year since 2016.

Origins of the “Day of the Dead” in Mexico

In “Día de los Muertos”, one of the most important celebrations in Mexico, the dead are commemorated in a joyful atmosphere. Families picnic on the graves of their ancestors and skulls made of cream or “Pan de Muerte” (bread of the dead) are distributed to children. Altars decorated with candles, orange flowers and crepe paper are set up in homes. Treats such as bread, salt, tequila and cigars are offered to the deceased relatives.

In Mexico, Catholic and pre-Hispanic traditions mix. Celebrations in late October and early November coincide with the Christian holidays of All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2).

Indigenous peoples celebrate the corn harvest during this period. With altars and altars, they want to open the way to this world for the dead so that the souls can bring prosperity and health. (SDA)

Source : Blick