Get ready to fully enter this universe of tradition and culture. The Day of the Dead has been named Intangible Heritage of Humanity since 2008 by UNESCO, and it requires —and also deserves— many paragraphs in this post.
First, we will tell you about the origin of this holiday.
The origin of the Day of the Dead
Before the Spanish came to conquer the lands of Mexico, the indigenous people already did some rituals to venerate the souls and the bodies of the deceased.
For example, the Mexica civilization worshiped the underworld gods Mictecacíhuatl and Mictlantecuhtli, who were in charge of defining the destiny of each soul. Both were the lords of the “place of the dead”, better known as” Mictlán”, which was divided into sections depending on the kind of death the person had.
The souls of the departed needed help from the living ones to start the path to the afterlife. As soon as someone died, elderly women communicated death by crying and screaming. Afterward, the deceased’s assets were concentrated next to him or her, and the body was symbolically “fed” with the best dishes. After four days, the deceased was finally buried or cremated.
When the Spanish arrived, the European catholic beliefs merged with the pre-Hispanic rituals to give rise to what we know and do today during the Day of the Dead, which is two days of celebrations: November 1st, “Día de Todos los Santos” or “All Saints Day”, when we remember all those people who died without being blessed or being a saint, especially children; and November 2nd, “Día de los Fieles Difuntos” or “All Souls Day”, in which we honor all the souls who have not reached paradise.
“Altar de Muertos” or Altar of the Dead
The altar of the dead shows the belief that the deceased return to the world of the living to spend time with their loved ones and console them for their loss.
There are many types of altars of all sizes and colors, but the most representative are those with 2 levels, which symbolize heaven and earth; those with 3 levels, to which the purgatory level is added; and those of 7 levels, which, according to the Otomí culture, are the capital sins and the necessary steps that a soul must cross to reach heaven.
Offerings in the altar
An altar of the dead seeks to integrate the 4 elements (water, wind, earth, and fire). It includes as many offerings as you imagine, but there are key components that must be in it:
- Photograph(s)
The photograph of the deceased is placed on the first level of the altar. It can be an altar dedicated to a single person or more people.
- “Papel picado” or Cut paper
It represents the wind and joy through different colors and shapes.
- Water and salt
Water is offered to the deceased to quench their thirst after their journey, and salt is the purification element.
- “Flor de cempasúchil” or Marigold flowers
The Cempasúchil flower, also known as the “twenty-petal flower”, is originally from Mexico and is typical of this season. In Mesoamerica, this flower was considered the most beautiful of all. It is believed that its petals kept the sun’s heat due to its intense orange color and illuminated the way back for the souls.
- Lime cross
The cross is a symbol incorporated by the Spanish to introduce Catholicism in Mexico. Besides referring to religion, the lime cross on the altar represents the four cardinal points (north, south, east, and west) to guide the souls on their way back.
- Sugar skulls
The “tzompantli” of the pre-Hispanic era was a kind of altar for sacrifices offered to the gods, which contained real skulls. The Spanish decided to replace them with skulls made with “alfeñique”, a cane sugar paste decorated with colored icing sugar. It is even common for each living person to have a skull on the altar with their name on it; this is to remind us that death is part of life.
- Candles
The light and fire of the candles guide the souls towards the altar and their offerings.
- Fruits
Fruits of the season, such as tangerines and oranges, are usually placed to give the altar a more natural appearance, with greater color, and to nourish the deceased.
- “Pan de muerto” or Bread of the Dead
The origin of the bread of the dead comes from the pre-Hispanic sacrifices that men made to the gods, mainly with the hearts of princesses. During colonization, the Spanish people decided to change it and to symbolize these rituals through bread covered with red-painted sugar (although nowadays, this is not a usual color on the bread).
The circular shape signifies the life-death cycle. The center circle symbolizes the skull; the sides represent the shins and the tears shed by the absence of loved ones.
- Copal incense
Aromas are very important when it comes to attracting souls. Copal incense is vital on the altar since its pleasant essence is considered “purifying” and cleanses the environment of “evil spirits”.
- Typical beverages and food
One of the most special moments when putting the altar together is cooking for our loved ones who are no longer present and offering them their favorite drinks and dishes. It is a very special way of welcoming them.
Literary “calaveritas” (skulls) and catrinas
It is said that Mexicans have mischief rooted in their culture and have a cunning personality. Also, it is said that we are the only ones in the world to “make fun of death.” Well, more than a mockery or a joke; it is that we find humor and joy at all times. The literary “calaveritas” are a great example of this, and although they did not arise specifically for the celebration of the Day of the Dead, they were attributed to this date due to their themes.
Written in verse form with rhymes, they were born in the 19th century as a burlesque and satirical way of expression. The first was published in 1849 by the Guadalajara newspaper “El Socialista”, accompanied by an illustration called “La Calavera Garbancera” created by José Guadalupe Posadas, which criticized indigenous women who pretended to be European and who were nicknamed “garbanceras” (chickpeas seller).
Years later, the famous muralist Diego Rivera incorporated this skull into one of his works, calling it “La Catrina”, and since then, we have known them by that name.
Photo via Wikipedia
We share an extract of the Calavera Garbancera:
Hay hermosas garbanceras / There are many chickpeas
De corsé y alto tacón; / With corset and high heels;
Pero han de ser calaveras / But they may be skulls
Calaveras del montón. / Ordinary skulls.
Gata que te pintas chapas, / Woman painting their cheeks,
Con ladrillo o bermellón; / With brick or vermilion;
La muerte dirá: “No escapas”, / Death will tell you: ‘You can’t escape’,
<<Eres cráneo del montón>>. / <<You are an ordinary skull>>.
We know… it doesn’t make any sense in English, but you can notice the rhyme in Spanish and the burlesque essence of “calaveritas”.
10 iconic festivals in Mexico
The Day of the Dead in Mexico is carried out with some variations depending on the region where is celebrated. Each city or town incorporates its particular touch to the feats, resulting in various festivals that become a worth-living experience.
Day of the Dead Festival in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Every year we can see exhibitions by local artists on the Malecón in Puerto Vallarta with the theme of the Day of the Dead. Visitors can tour this place between skulls and altars while admiring our Mexican traditions. This 2023, the record Guinness Catrina makes a comeback for everyone to admire! Plus, there will be activities at the Instituto Vallartense de Cultura and the river Cuale market, among others. Also, let us not forget the party at the esplanade on October 30th, where local charros will show their skills in a show full of tradition.
“Festival de Muertos” at Puerto Vallarta is not only a celebration but also a display of profound respect and love for the Day of the Dead, acknowledged as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
It is an invitation to get immersed in a massive exhibition of art and culture celebrating Jalisco’s and Mexico’s essence. Here you can learn all you need about activities, dates, and times.
Festival of Life and Death in Cancún
The Xcaret Park, located in Cancun and very close to the Riviera Maya, holds this emblematic celebration year after year and seeks to promote the vast culture of Mexico.
Don’t miss their live broadcasts on YouTube! You will find more information here.
Skulls Festival in Aguascalientes
Since 1994 this festival has been a favorite of many families, with more than 200 activities and an extraordinary parade. It pays homage to José Guadalupe Posadas, the creator of “La Catrina” since he was originally from this city. It takes place in the facilities of the San Marcos Fair, famous for being the most important fair in the country. Learn more details on their Instagram page.
Festival of Light and Life in Puebla
Held in Chignahuapan, a magical town in Puebla state, with a stunning torchlight tour. This is done at dusk to receive the souls and guide them towards the offerings in the homes in the region. It is also celebrated with dance and music shows, traditional food, and fireworks that will accompany you to downtown. To see the activities program click here.
Grand Festival of Pixanes in Zací cenote, Yucatán
Valladolid is a magical town located in Yucatán, and it is in the Zací cenote where this festival takes place. A Mayan ceremony is held, as well as the celebration of the pixanes (spirits of the deceased), and interesting legends are narrated. The place is mystical, and adding traditional celebrations such as the altars or catrinas contests makes it even more special.
By the way, it is said that at night you can see the aluxes (small goblins of the Mayan culture), as well as the spirit of a Mayan warrior.
Día de Muertos Parade in CDMX
This parade is one of the most impressive since it exhibits giant skulls, either walking or riding on floats, as well as catrinas that stroll on Paseo de la Reforma, one of the most important avenues in Mexico City.
In this edition, we invite you to learn about their activities here.
La Calaca Festival in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
San Miguel de Allende is an iconic city in the state of Guanajuato, and hosts one of the most artistic Day of the Dead festivals in the entire country. In it, you can enjoy creative workshops, live art exhibitions, digital art, visits to cemeteries or altars, cinema, and music, all well paired with the culinary delights of the region and mixology. More info here!
Xibalba Festival in Estado de México
An electronic music show that lasts approximately 20 hours. The DJs create a different touch to their rhythms with the theme of the Day of the Dead. There is also gastronomy, many costumes, and altars. This year you can follow their broadcasts live through their Facebook page.
La Noche de Muertos (The Night of the Dead) in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
This is not a festival, but it is a very special celebration since the Purépecha communities, which are the closest to Lake Pátzcuaro in Michoacán, have kept this tradition almost intact since ancient times, so living the Day of the Dead in this place is as if you lived it many years ago. Also, Pátzcuaro is a magical town, and this is a guarantee that everything will be spectacular during your visit.
Xantolo in La Huasteca Potosina
‘Xantolo’ is a word that originates from the combination of the Castilian term ‘xanto’ (saint) and the Nahuatl ‘olo’, which means abundance; therefore, it means “all saints”. More than 15 municipalities in the Huasteca region of San Luis Potosí celebrate the Day of the Dead with dances, music, altars, walks through the pantheons, gastronomy, and drinks. It is also very common to see Catrina parades and live performances. Learn more about the Xantolo here.
