Here's how they do it in... Mexico

21.12.2022 | 2.1 minutes reading time

Just do it

Mexicans do not see death as something terrifying, but as inseparable from life. Every year on 1 and 2 November, they celebrate the Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) and remember their deceased loved ones: on 1 November those of children and on 2 November those of adults. In the Netherlands, we know those days as All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Dia de los Muertos is not to be confused or compared to Halloween.

Mexicans have many 'days of', there is always a reason to celebrate. Dia de los Muertos is the best known. It is a commemoration for the whole family (including children) where death, colour and togetherness are central. In addition to the commemoration of loved ones at home and at cemeteries, parades can be seen in many provinces and there is music and fun everywhere. By the way, the festival is not exclusive to Mexico. Several Latin American countries are celebrating it.

Origin

The commemoration originated from traditions of the Aztecs, Maya and Purépecha, among others. These peoples worshipped their ancestors and thus their dead. This indigenous ritual is mixed with Catholic influences. Mexicans believe that the souls of the deceased will be allowed to temporarily return to earth on November 1 and 2. But will they still be able to find their way? That is why all kinds of ways have been invented to make contact with the souls and show them the way. Throughout the year, the preparation takes place and items are collected to be sacrificed. Just before 1 and 2 November, the graves are cleaned and decorated with candles and orange/yellow cempasúchil (marigold). And at home, an altar is set up with the favorite food and drink and photos of the deceased. Music and fireworks can also serve as a 'beacon for the deceased'.

"Mourning plays a subordinate role to remembrance."

Festival

In many cities, with Mexico City as the outlier, large parades take place during Dia de los Muertos. In the evening, the cemeteries are a hive of activity. Families come to remember their loved ones. In addition, a feast has of course been prepared. During the parades and other cultural activities, there is music, dancing and fireworks. Everything to give the deceased loved ones a pleasant short stay on earth. Mourning plays a subordinate role to remembrance.

Skulls and skeletons

The most important symbols that you see everywhere are skulls and skeletons. No frightening displays like at Halloween, but a cheerful note in make-up and clothing. This, too, has its origins in the ancient Mexican peoples. In Aztec mythology, Mictecacihuatl was the queen of the underworld, also known as the 'lady of death'. She watches over the bones of the dead.

The Marigold

The marigold's strongly scented petals mark the path for the soul of the deceased to the altars, at home and in the cemetery. The petals are also said to keep the sun warm. The flower plays an important role and can be seen everywhere during the Dia de los Muertos.