Free Map of Mexico
If you find yourself in Mexico during late October or early November, don't be alarmed by the spooky skeleton figures you will most likely encounter. In fact, you should be ready to celebrate! Every year on November 1st and 2nd Mexico celebrates El Dia de los Muertos or The Day of the Dead - a long-standing tradition dating back to ancient times.
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If you're lucky enough to participate in The Day of the Dead, you'll notice this isn't a time for sadness, but a time for Mexican people to honor their heritage and ancestors.
In connection with the Catholic observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, Mexicans living both locally and worldwide spend time remembering friends and family who have died. The belief is that during the two days it is easier for the living to communicate with souls of the deceased. On the first day, Mexicans honor the infants and children that have been lost while spending the second day honoring the adults and elderly.
Locals gather in cemeteries and build altars where they share ofrendas (offerings) of food, drinks and gifts for their dead friends and relatives. Also, the graves of loved ones are cleaned and decorated in bright orange marigolds, which are said to attract the souls to their offerings. While the families are gathered, stories and prayers are recited about the dead, some of which can be really funny!
Visiting Mexico during a time-honored event like Day of the Dead can be an amazing way to experience the rich culture of the native people. From music and dancing, to traditional foods and colorful crafts, this is an experience worth absorbing. Once you experience the festival you realize it's not just about honoring the dead, but allowing the departed to share in a larger celebration of cultural identity with their living descendents.
While the festival seems very sacred and intimate, as an outsider to the culture you can still take part in the celebration. As it is a Mexican holiday, many cities and towns will offer colorful events with dancing, food and your chance to buy some of the beautiful crafts prepared in honor of the two-day event. Maybe you'll feel so moved by the celebration that you'll decide to adopt the tradition - or at least, take some of the festivities with you as you drive back home.
