Day of the Dead is celebrated November 1st and November 2nd. It is a holiday of showing quiet respect, a time of remembrance for loved ones who have passed.
It’s all about colors, skulls and flowers. Alters are created by families to honor those who have passed. The dead return to visit with their families and to indulge in favorite foods and drinks. Often decorated with flowers, bright colors, family photos, candles, and banners called papel picado–the colorful tissue paper that represents how fragile life is. Mexicans play music and dance, hold parades through town, and tell stories of their loved ones. Often celebrations are held at cemeteries, sometimes with complete live music.
They keep those who have passed alive in memory for all generations.
Taken from the internet…..
“Day of the Dead colors & meanings
In stark contrast to Halloween and our overall view of death, Day of the Dead celebrations incorporate bright, cheerful colors and lots of them. And therefore, so should you. The colors you’ll see most are yellow, pink, red, purple, orange, and white (and yeah, some black too) and of course they each have their own symbolism.
The altars are all unique.
This must be a very special part of the Day the Dead to take part in.
Also from the internet…….
“La Catrina
La Calavera Catrina (the lovely not-so-broad above) began as an image drawn by Jose Guadalupe Posada around 1910 as a sort of political satire. (Amazing article on her origins, here.)
The image of the fancy lady skeleton in a fancy lady’s hat poked fun at the upper class, letting them know that even they, too, will die. That we’re all equals in the end.
Mix in some dictators, a revolution, some Aztec-isms, and some Diego Rivera, and you have today’s La Catrina: the principal symbol of Mexico’s Day of the Dead.”
There is much more meeting the name Catrina. I invite you to read up about it.
Mexico made history again by erecting the worlds tallest Catrina In Mexico City. Read about it below.
I have learned so much about this Mexican tradition preparing these posts for you.
Tonight for the first time ever, Colin and I will heading out to join thousands here in Mazatlan for the traditional parade. Photos tomorrow or the next day 😎
So beautiful!
Wonderful blog about Dia de los Muertos. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Now to figure out how to send to my daughter!
Thank you for reminding us all how important and historic this celebration is. Thanks, as well, for all the interesting facts! Hugs.