In the U.S., kids are getting ready for a beloved October holiday,
where they can dress up as their favorite super hero, princess, or scary ghoul.
Halloween has an ancient history that started with the Celts over 2,000 years
ago, and has transformed into a celebration of all things creepy, yet fun. Who
would think up a holiday where one would decorate with spiders and cobwebs?
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| Day of the Dead Art |
In Mexico and Puerto Rico, the celebration has some similarities, but also
has some distinct differences. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is
celebrated throughout Mexico, particularly in the Central and Southern regions,
and Puerto Rico. This multi-day holiday has a rich history, which dates all the
way back to the Spanish colonization in the 16th century!
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| Ofrenda |
Día de los Muertos is a celebration of death as just another stage of
life, and not to be feared. Rather than
mourn the dead, Día de los Muertos celebrates with joy and positivity. Altars, or “ofrendas”, created in memory of
friends and family who have passed on, are decked out with offerings, gifts,
and decorations that reflect the personalities of those celebrated. Ofrendas
also feature salt, water and traditional Mexican dishes to nourish the departed
souls who are being welcomed back home for this holiday. Festive colors, floral
wreaths and brightly colored marigolds often decorate each unique ofrenda.
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| La Calavera Catrina |
Skeletons and skull figurines called “calaveras” are staples of Día de
los Muertos decor, and are accented with bright colors and flowers, to demonstrate
how death can be beautiful. The
famous skull figure, La Calavera Catrina, is an iconic element of Día de los
Muertos. Her design reflects a female skull dressed in brightly hued costume,
which blends cultural traditions with the legendary artwork of artist Jose
Guadalupe Posada. Today, La Calavera Catrina is an exquisite and meaningful
element of the holiday's decorations and commemoration. Some celebrants even
apply skull-inspired makeup to evoke the appearance of La
Calavera Catrina.
In Puerto Rico, a traditional parade called “Paseo
de las Animas”, or Parade of Souls, is a large part of Day of the Dead
celebration. Each year, hundreds of costumed participants journey from the
general cemetery to San Juan Park. Along the route, they visit 130 different
altars while enjoying music, food, and theater performances. This tradition is
also celebrated in Merida, Mexico and is considered a high point of travel to the
area. The weeklong festival brings in tens of thousands of travelers who
participate in the jubilant celebration. Visitors can walk the parade route, or
enjoy traditional dishes such as pollopibil, a special
seasoned chicken tamale wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground.
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| Dia de los Muertos Celebrants |
Have you participated in Día de Los Muertos?
Share your experience below!
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