Dia de los Muertos exhibit at Centro Cultural y Artesanal, Izamal, Yucatán, Yucatan ©The MEXICO Report
Dia de los Muertos – or Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico as an homage of life where families throughout each of the 31 states in Mexico typically take part in a religious ceremony, honoring those who have passed. Through altars built and covered with food, colorful decorations, photos of loved ones, skull candies, special breads and food offerings, the concept of death is celebrated in Mexico and beyond from October 31 to November 2.
November first, a national holiday in many historically Catholic countries, is All Saints’ Day when the spirits of children are thought to return, while November second, All Souls’ Day, honors the souls of adults and all of the faithfully departed.
Dia de los Muertos skulls, calaveras
Paper mache sculptures such as skeletons, portray the dead and through music and feasting, everyone embraces the concept of both life and death.
Unlike other cultures, this time of year in Mexico is a special time to show great respect through this deeply rooted tradition and tribute to all who have passed, from babies to the elderly.
One of the main characteristics about the Mexican culture so endearing to me is that it is a culture of respect. Respect for the mother, respect for the father, respect for the elderly and respect for those who have passed. Each time I visit Mexico, this is one of the first things I notice.
Pan de Muerto, photo courtesy of Mexico Cooks!
If you are planning to visit Mexico, I highly recommend planning your visit around a Dia de los Muertos festival, especially in Oaxaca. Fellow Mexico Today ambassador and travel writer Suzanne Barbezat recommends these locations as the ‘Top 7 Day of the Dead Destinations in Mexico“.
The planning starts early no matter what city you visit and special sweet breads are prepared known as pan de muerto. If you’d like to make it yourself, another one of our fellow Mexico Today ambassador’s Cristina Potters offers a tasty recipe on her site, Mexico Cooks.
If you cannot be in Mexico at this time, try attending a Dia de Los Muertos event in your city.
An offering for Dia de Los Muertos in San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca
