THE DAY OF THE DEAD (NOV 1-2)

This is NOT the Mexican version of Halloween.

Mexicans place great emphasis on learning about their ancestors and maintaining family and national traditions. Important to them are the great events that took place in the past, not what may take place in the future. Thus, the honoring and anticipation of the return of ancestors in spirit form is the grandest and largest celebration in all of Mexico.

This year I was in the middle of an almost frenzied celebration of people mocking death. Crowds gathered throughout the zocalo playing lively music, dancing, marching, dramas, and fireworks. Sculptures of death made from sand decorated the ground in front of the cathedral. People were busy making altars of flowers, food, drink, and placed items of loved ones departed. Cemeteries are cleaned, and decorated with many candles lit.

They truly believe their ancestors will return to visit them in spiritual form on Nov 1-2.

The following day I returned to the village and spent time in the homes of the indigenous people observing a more subdued festival. The traditional food of mole and chicken, tortillas, hot chocolate and bread overflowed in abundance. Altars were elaborate and some were simple. Fireworks exploded all during the day and night, and people were more than willing to share their beliefs with me.

Yellow and orange flowers (usually marigolds) bloom profusely this time of year in the mountains and the city. They are harvested and carried in bouquets, placed in vases, and used for decorating altars and pathways to help “guide the spirits back home.”

As much as the Catholic church has tried to impose worship of their saints, the Day of the Dead is dominated by the indigenous beliefs of ancestor worship.