Day of the Dead in Mexico

The day of the dead - Día de los Muertos

The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Mexico. It is celebrated yearly, on the 1st and the 2nd day of November.

The celebration of the Day of the Dead began in ancient Mexico, with the civilizations of the Aztecs and Mayas. In ancient times, it was celebrated for about a month. Skulls of dead ancestors were kept as representations of death and the subsequent rebirth.

The belief in Mexico is that death should not merely be a time for sadness; on the contrary, it should be a time to celebrate the passing of the soul to a new life.

During the Day of the Dead, families go to the cemeteries to visit the graves of their departed relatives. There they offer flowers, such as the cempasuchil, which is believed to attract souls to the flowers. For children who have died, toys may be left on their graves.

At home, Mexicans also place their offerings, such as pumpkins, skull candies, and bread of the dead, to welcome the souls of their loved ones. Altars are usually filled with candles during this time. Pillows are also prepared to allow the weary souls to rest.

The symbol of the skull, or calavera, is used in various items. Skull designs can be see on masks and food. Some people wear shells, to allegedly wake up their dead relatives once they dance.
Different areas in Mexico celebrate this holiday in different ways. Some areas hunt duck early in the morning and cook the game at night. Men chant while women pray.

If you want to experience the Day of the Dead in all its Mexican glory, try going to the southern states of Mexico, such as in Oaxaca, Michoacan and Chiapas. Rural areas usually celebrate the holiday in a more reverent way as compared to urban areas.