Despite early settlers attempts to “civilize” the natives with Christian tradition, Dia de los Muertos—or Day of the Dead—is still one of the most widely celebrated holidays in all of Mexico. And in the Valley of the Sun, too, so it would seem.
Although Dia de los Muertos is closely associated with Halloween, the holidays have very little in common, beyond the feasting and the partying. Dia de los Muertos officially occurs not on October 31, but on November 2, in connection with the Catholic All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2).
It’s all about honoring your ancestors. People don wooden skull masks (“calacas”) and dance around. They build full altars to the dead, meant to remember and pay homage to those gone—a good idea, especially since many ancient celebrators of the Day of the Dead believe spirits come back to visit the living on this hallowed day.
Dia de los Muertos is also about visiting cemeteries—in effect, visiting your dead relatives—and decorating their graves with flowers and candles. One source suggested bringing a bottle of tequila to leave behind for the dead. (Do you think old Aunt Myrtle would mind if I took a tiny sip?) It’s an all-day thing. You sit on a blanket, have a kind of picnic, and eat your dead relative’s favorite dish.
Maybe you think this is morbid, but look at it from the perspective of native Mexican people. To them, death was not the end of life; it was a continuation of life. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake. When you look at it that way, you can see how this event turns into a big party by the end of the day!
Since we’re so close to Mexico here in AZ, there are countless Dia de los Muertos celebrations going on in the Valley of the Sun. Here’s a mere smattering:
- Dia de los Muertos. Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ. October 30–31. “Join the arts center for its fourth annual Dia de los Muertos Festival, Saturday and Sunday. Mesa Arts Center ignites in a celebration of departed loved ones in the traditional manner observed for centuries in towns across Mexico. The Mercado features vibrant colors, an assortment of traditional and contemporary merchandise, jewelry, Mexican arts & crafts, and more from local artisans and vendors. Live entertainment, food, family, and fun will be abundant!”
- Dia de los Muertos. Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ. October 30–31. “Come to the Garden for Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, a colorful tradition that honors and celebrates departed loved ones in a festival setting. Enjoy entertainment that will bring the history of the holiday to life with song, dance, and storytelling. Festivities culminate with La Procesión. Experience the Desert Botanical Garden’s interactive altar honoring Día de los Muertos. Delicious Mexican food, pastries, and beautiful Mexican art will be available for purchase in the Gardens Mercado.”
I love learning of different ways people celebrate Halloween! I’ve only known the American way, but this is so cool I think I’ll explore other cultures now! Thanks for sharing this!
No lie, I miss my cat, Simon. He was my first pet. I think he should be honored, too
Not only do I find Dia de los Muertos to be fascinating, but I interviewed a Wiccan priestess last week on my blog about their religious holiday, called “Samhain.” She gave me a whole other perspective on the Halloween, too. I love learning about other cultures, so the more I can know about holiday celebrations, the better!!
I love traditions! I’m starting to really like tradition that put a bur under Christian saddles. (I know, that’s bad.) Thanks for the info on the day of the Dead!
Crystal
http://www.crystalspins.com
Hmmm, this or having haunted houses that scare the bejevus out of us? I think I know what I would rather have.
Nice post! I’m in San Diego and we see a lot of Dia de los Muertos celebrations here. In fact, I think I need to go pick up a sugar skull and do a little walk down memory lane
Dia de los Muertos, I guess it is in Mexican language. Thanks for your post to give a detailed explanation about this Mexican traditional festeval. Among your post, I would say, the most impressing point to me is the perspective of native Mexican people to Dia de los Muertos: Death is not fearable thing. it’s a kind of continue of life. For that means theywill live a happier life when their relative die than people from other culture in which death is treated in a much sadder way.
Day of the Dead sounds fun!! Strange to say. A very Cool Tradition. I guess I will go out and make some magic!!
Ooooo, yes, that’s a wonderful idea. I’m going to my first Day of the Dead celebration Saturday!!! I’ll probably spend a fortune. I love the little skulls!
I agree. I love the point of view of the Mexican people. So different from most Americans. It’s a truly peaceful way to look at death. And a heck of a good reason for a party