Home » Mexico » How does Mexico Celebrate the Day of the Dead?

Taking a vacation to Mexico for the Day of the Dead celebrations is one of those experiences you will never forget. Every year, Mexican people remember their loved ones who have died in a spectacular national holiday. The main date for this celebration is November 2nd, although some areas of Mexico celebrate the holiday throughout three days starting on October 31st (Halloween). The Day of the Dead is no time for tears, but for celebrating the lives of departed loved ones.

What happens on Mexico’s Day of the Dead?

On the Day of the Dead, Mexican families gather together to make a fitting altar for their dead relative and offer prayers for their souls. The altar is laden with decorations like colourful marigold flowers, a photograph of the deceased members of the family, sugar skulls, sweet bread and lighted candles. This is a sentimental gathering as though each member of the family has the opportunity of telling the departed that she or he is still very much a part of the family, though in another world.

The Day of the Dead is a much anticipated activity where family members will be busy preparing for it weeks ahead of the actual dates. They’ll plan and talk it out on what the altar should look like, how will it be decorated and deciding on things for offerings. Mexicans may also visit the graveside of passed loved ones to clean it and will leave special mementos. Usually children are given toys, adults get a bottle of tequila or any of his or her favorite alcoholic beverage. There’ll be joyous yet respectful gathering on the graveside, with some picnicking. Some Mexican families spend the night in vigil, just to feel close to a loved one who is missed.

The Day of the Dead is Mexico’s beautiful way of pausing for a while, taking time to remember and celebrating a dear, departed one, a way of expressing unity with the dead and telling them that their memories are alive in the hearts of the people they left behind.

Traditions of Calaveras

Another tradition of the Day of the Dead is to write calaveras. Calaveras are short and funny poems offered by the living in honor of the dead. These are an old age tradition that dates back to the 18th or 19th century. The poems contain anecdotes, habits or anything that the dead person enjoyed while he or she was still living. There are also public displays of affection for the dead as most schools and government offices create an altar of their own. Famous personalities who have long been dead are usually given tributes by school children who are asked to do a research and make offerings. They’ll find things to decorate a famous figure’s altar, usually those that are associated with the dead’s character.

Day of the Dead Culture and Art

The Mexican nation’s affection and appreciation for their dead loved ones has influenced much of the traditions and culture you will enjoy when taking a vacation to Mexico. Skeletons and skulls are considered works of art in Mexican society. Often you will see artwork where skeletons are dressed colorfully and are beautified using makeup and accessories. Paintings can be seen and some skeletons or skulls are shown in comical cartoons. For example, you might can see drawings or sculptures of a skeleton biker, or skeleton lovers being married or an athletic type kicking a soccer ball. Wooden skulls or those decorated with the colorful beadwork of the Huichol indigenous tribes make good home decorations and look strikingly awesome as it adorns walls and tables.

If you are visiting Mexico on vacation this November 2nd, be sure to look out for the Day of the Dead commemorative altars.

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