For Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Mexican families honor their deceased loved ones by creating altars in their homes. They put out food, drinks, toys, candy, ceramics, and lighted candles to beckon the dead to return on this special occasion. The offerings include things representing every natural element: water, earth (fruits), air (cut up pieces of paper that are dispersed by the wind) and fire. The altar may also display candy skulls (“calaveras”) with the names of the departed written on their foreheads. The custom supposedly dates back to the various indigenous cultures in Mexico: Aztecs, Mayas, Olmecs, etc.
On October 31st at midnight, bells ring in cemeteries all over the country so the disoriented souls can find their way home, guided by paths of candles & bright orange marigolds, and the scent of “copal” (incense). On the night of November 1st, the bells ring again to call the spirits back to rest. The cemetery doors are then shut and the feast begins. Banquets include everything from “pozole” (corn with beef, chicken, pork and spices) and “mole” (special chocolate sauce) to “chiles rellenos” (stuffed peppers) and “dulce de calabaza” (pumpkin dessert). “Pan de muerto” is also served – a delicious sweet bread baked in a circular shape to represent the cycle of life & death. And of course a bottle of tequila or mezcal to wash it all down! Despite the seemingly morbid theme, it is actually a very joyful celebration.
The famous Mexican painter, Jose Guadalupe Posada, depicted the most famous representation of death, “La Cantrina”, as a skeleton dressed in elegant clothing of the Revolutionary era of the 1800’s. Modern popular art has created the amazing “alibrijes”, colorful figures combining mythical and political characters, which line the main avenue of Mexico City all this week (see photos below). How’s THAT for a quick lesson in Mexican culture?
On October 31st at midnight, bells ring in cemeteries all over the country so the disoriented souls can find their way home, guided by paths of candles & bright orange marigolds, and the scent of “copal” (incense). On the night of November 1st, the bells ring again to call the spirits back to rest. The cemetery doors are then shut and the feast begins. Banquets include everything from “pozole” (corn with beef, chicken, pork and spices) and “mole” (special chocolate sauce) to “chiles rellenos” (stuffed peppers) and “dulce de calabaza” (pumpkin dessert). “Pan de muerto” is also served – a delicious sweet bread baked in a circular shape to represent the cycle of life & death. And of course a bottle of tequila or mezcal to wash it all down! Despite the seemingly morbid theme, it is actually a very joyful celebration.
The famous Mexican painter, Jose Guadalupe Posada, depicted the most famous representation of death, “La Cantrina”, as a skeleton dressed in elegant clothing of the Revolutionary era of the 1800’s. Modern popular art has created the amazing “alibrijes”, colorful figures combining mythical and political characters, which line the main avenue of Mexico City all this week (see photos below). How’s THAT for a quick lesson in Mexican culture?
Needless to say, this continues to be an endlessly fascinating place to be…Next I’m off to Cancun for a conference (and a large dose of US culture, I imagine!) Ciao for now!
