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Thursday, October 26, 2017

Don't Be Scared...It's Only Día de los Muertos!



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?

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!

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.

La Calavera Catrina
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.

dia de los muertos
Dia de los Muertos Celebrants
  

Have you participated in Día de Los Muertos? Share your experience below!

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