The celebration dates back to the Aztecs, who lived in the area 3,000 years ago. These traditional beliefs were eventually combined with Italian and Spanish settlers who blended it with their religion. Today, the holiday has expanded to where it brings families together across the globe.
What is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos literally translates to the “day of the dead.” People are often confused by this celebration, and don’t realize that it’s a happy celebration that focuses on family and bringing the spirits and the living together.
On the Day of the Dead, it’s believed that the border between the spirit world and the real world dissolve. During this brief period, the souls of the dead awaken and return to the living world to feast, drink, dance and play music with their loved ones.
When is Día de los Muertos?
One reason why the holiday is wrongfully related to Halloween, is because of the time of year it is celebrated. Día de los Muertos starts at midnight on October 31st and ends November 2nd.
During this time, there are different celebrations taking place. On the first day at midnight, Día de los Angelitos, or “Day of the Little Angels,” starts. This part is to celebrate children who have passed. It is said that the spirits of the children are so eager to come back to the land of the living, that they run ahead of the adults, who arrive a night later.
November 1st at midnight is when Día de los Difuntos, or “Spirits of the Adults,” starts to honor the lives of the adults who have passed. Finally, at noon on November 2nd, all spirits are celebrated as Dia de los Muertos.
How is Dia de los Muertos Celebrated?
Each household has an altar in their home and during the holiday, families submit ofrendas, or offerings, to their dearly departed relatives. The offerings are both how relatives are remembered and to entice their spirit to return home.
Ofrendas usually include the deceased’s photos, along with their favorite foods. The altars will also display personal items, music, and colorful skeletons used as decorations. Cemetery visits are also common on the last day as families will go to decorate the grave sites with marigold flowers, gifts, and sugar skulls with the departed’s name on them.
What is with the Decorated Skulls?
Anyone new to the holiday might ask, what’s the deal with all of the decorated skulls? After all, if it isn’t a scary celebration, why are they even there? Unlike their spooky and scary counterparts, skeletons and skulls represent life and death. The first, Calavera Catrina, is now synonymous with the holiday. Throughout the celebration, you will find people dressed up and their faces painted like a sugar skull.
Sugar Skulls, and as they sound, can also be edible decorations of skulls made of sugar and icing. Often, these treats are dedicated to past loved ones, especially children. You may even see them made with chocolate rather than with white sugar.
Places to Go For the Celebration
It can feel as though every community in the world celebrates differently. However, if you’re yearning to have a one of a kind experience, you’ll want to know where you should go in Mexico to immerse yourself in the experience.
Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a magical place and is even more magical during Dia de los Muertos, because it has some of the most spiritual and unique traditions. Delicious food and fun celebrations aren’t only for the dearly departed in Oaxaca. Here, markets offer everything you need to make your altar.
At the Palacio de Gobierno, a large altar and sand tapestry appears. Ropes of marigold flowers appear over many streets, and you’ll see many local businesses setting up altars as well. Altars are one of the most important Oaxaca Day of the Dead traditions and there are often contests for the best altars.
I’m also very excited about this location, as I’m visiting Oaxaca in 2022 for Dia de los Muertos. I know it’s about a year away from now, but if you’d like to follow my experience, be sure to follow my facebook page here.
Mexico City, Mexico
One of the largest annual celebrations is located in Mexico City. It draws millions of visitors every year. This year, huge colorful skulls celebrated the artist Frida Kahlo. In the Plaza de Zocalo, performers dance in colorful costumes and makeup. There are also gondola rides at night in the Xochimilco neighborhood.
Surprisingly, Mexico City didn’t include parades in past Dia de los Muertos celebrations. It wasn’t until the opening sequence of a James Bond film that was so enthralling that tourists started asking about attending it. City officials hadn’t considered hosting a parade, but they didn’t want to disappoint, and as a result, Mexico hosted its first Dia de los Muertos parade in 2016. Some performers even had props and costumes from the James Bond movie.
Janitzio, Mexico
This tiny island has tons of visitors, making this a small place with a huge celebration. While there is only one small graveyard, there are other sites to visit. Most notably, the tall statue of José María Morelos can be scaled inside. However, it could take a long time with the thousands of other visitors doing the same thing.
Experience Día de los Muertos
There are many places to celebrate and regional differences beyond the 3 locations I listed above. However, if you’re interested in learning more about this amazing experience, let me help you plan out your perfect Día de los Muertos vacation. Booking early is essential as guided tours sell out early and fast. Contact Wanderland Escapes today and let’s get started!
