Lifestyle
10 Things you Didn’t Know About the Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead, traditionally known as “Día de Muertos” is the Mexican holiday celebrated in remembrance of the ones who have passed away. Beyond the candy skulls and fancy artwork, there is a lot more to the Day of the Dead than you think.
Día de Muertos is Celebrated for Two Days
The Day of the Dead is officially celebrated for two days. The first celebration on November 1st is known as “Día de los Angelitos”, which is dedicated to the children, and the second celebration on November 2nd is known as “Día de los Muertos”, which is for adults.
This Celebration is About Love and Remembrance
Many seem to consider that the Day of the Dead is just a Mexican version of Halloween celebrated in the United States. However, unlike the scary pranks and tales of horror shared on Halloween, the Day of the Dead is for families to remember their loved ones who have passed away and share fond memories.
The Festival is more than 3,000 Years Old.
Possibly older than Halloween which originated in the late 18th century, Día de Muertos is known to have been celebrated for more than 3,000 years now. The origin of this event was Central America, where a three-day festival was dedicated to remembering the ones who have passed away.
The Day of the Dead has its own Bread
“Pan de Muerto” is one of the official treats that people enjoy on the Day of the Dead. The bread is eggy and flavored with orange flower water or anise.
It is Traditional to “Party” at the Graveyard
Remembering the dead on the Day of the Dead is no dull affair, even though it takes place in a cemetery. Families gather around the tomb of their loved ones, bring food and drinks and share funny stories, while bands stroll through the cemetery and play wonderful serenades. In larger cities and towns, public events, parades and dance performances are held on Día de Muertos.
Marigold is the Official Flower of the Day of the Dead.
It is believed that the strong scent of the marigolds attracts the souls of the dead from the other side. A bed of marigolds is laid out on the graves, on home altars, and around door frames and the Mexicans say “Ya huele a muertos”, meaning “It’s beginning to smell like death”.
Candy Skulls are a Beloved Treat
Candies and chocolate bars are great, but how cool is biting into a skull made out of candy! The candy skulls known as “Calaveras” are primarily made for decoration, with beautiful designs and vibrant colors, but this does not stop children and adults from munching down on them.
La Catrina and her Origin
A Calavera dressed in feminine clothing known as La Catrina is a popular figure on the Day of the Dead. Created in the 19th century by José Guadalupe Posada, La Catrina can be recognized by her large hat and elegant gown. La Catrina was created as a satirical portrait of elite Mexicans who gave up their culture and adopted the European aristocratic customs.
Tim Burton was Inspired by Día de Muertos
Known for his unconventional dark and quirky horror writing and direction, Tim Burton is a huge fan of the Day of the Dead. The “Calacas” artwork of this festival has been the inspiration behind the animation style used by Burton in his outstanding movies – Nightmare Before Christmas and The Corpse Bride.
The Day of the Dead is Celebrated throughout Latin America
The centuries-old tradition of remembering the dead is still alive through Latin America. In Guatemala, people make a traditional salad known as fiambre to remember the dead. Known as the Day of the Deceased (Día de los Difuntos) in Ecuador, people eat “guaguas” (baby-shaped bread) and dip it in “colada morada” (blood-red blackberry juice). The Brazilian celebration called Finados is similar to the Latin American festivals.