And So Many Holidays!
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| Dia de Muertos Brings Out the Catrinas |
Mexico celebrates many more holidays than the countries north of the
border. Holidays are festive times, right? So, why is this something that can
create culture shock? Let me try to explain with some examples.
Many Holidays are
Unique to Mexican Culture
Dia de Muertos, a very
festive time in Mexico, means literally Day of the Dead. A festival that
revolves around death? I didn’t understand it for years. The celebrations last
for several days, from October 31 through November 2. This is a time when
families and friends celebrate, inviting the souls of those who have died to
join them on earth. A large part of this celebration takes place in the
cemetery at the loved one’s grave. Food, alcohol, candles, flowers, and other
gifts are placed on the grave, offered to bring the soul to earth. The family
members will have a picnic at the grave, eating a meal and drinking beer. The
belief is that their departed love ones’ souls join them to share this meal. This
was difficult for me to understand when we first started traveling to Mexico.
In the United States, in non-Hispanic cultures, when we visit a grave-site, we
feel sadness at the loss of our loved ones, certainly not a festive joy.
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| One of Many Altars for Dia de Muertos, Day of the Dead |
After living in this beautiful
country for some time now, I have come to see this festival as a celebration of
life, a time to remember and honor the people who have passed from this earth.
The town plazas become a place where many colorful alters are built with
flowers, food offerings, candles, sand and rocks, personal articles, and
photographs, each honoring a deceased person. Music and entertainment fill the
downtown with people mingling and strolling through the path between alters,
admiring the artwork of each memorial, then moving on to enjoy the festivities.
Later in the night, a long line of quiet Mexicans can be seen walking from the
plaza, through downtown and neighborhoods, to the cemetery, each carrying a lighted
candle.
When first
experienced, it appears that Dia de Muertos revolves around death. Now I see
that this celebration is a healthy way to remember the life of departed loved
ones.
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| Parade for Dia del Niño (Day of the Child) |
Dia del Niño, Day of the
Child, is also unique to Mexican culture, and a very big deal in the town we
live in. The main street into downtown is closed for hours for a parade and it
seems the whole town turns out to watch the children dressed in costumes,
riding in floats that cruise the streets around the plaza. It is a lively,
happy festival with the crowd filling the plaza and spilling into the streets.
Two young children dressed as the King and Queen of the day ride in their own
fancy float. They help throw treats including balls and hula hoops to children
and adults alike.
I am impressed with
how much attention and love the children receive in this culture. To set aside
an entire day to honor the children and to make them feel special is unlike
anything I’ve seen in the United States. It is a joy to watch. It is also wise
to plan your day so as to avoid driving through town, taking.... Read more by clicking this link: http://retirementbeforetheageof59.blogspot.com/2017/10/culture-shock-105-moving-to-mexico.html
Hi Terry, really enjoy your blogs! I was wondering if you knew when the day of the dead first started and do you find that it is becoming a 'tourist' trap with it being so unique and having that mystery surrounding it that would attract visitors to come for a closer look? All the best https://mexicotravel360.com/
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteI don't know when Day of the Dead first started, but according to Wikipedia, it dates back at least prior to Spanish colonization in the 16th century. It has certainly begun to attract people from around the world to observe the traditional celebration, but I wouldn't call it a tourist trap. Thanks for reading my blogs and commenting. I'm glad you enjoy them.
Terry