If you’ve never experienced the vibrant celebration of Dia de los Muertos or delved into its rich history, you may have questions about the origins of this holiday. Even if you’re not a Spanish speaker, the vocabulary and traditions of this Day of the Dead may be unfamiliar to you. But fear not! Today, we’re here to answer all your burning questions and satisfy your curiosity about Dia de los Muertos.
Unmasking Dia de los Muertos
Dia de los Muertos, also known as “Day of the Dead” in English, is a Mexican holiday that typically takes place on November 1st and 2nd. This unique celebration blends pre-Hispanic indigenous beliefs and traditions to honor and celebrate deceased ancestors.
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Embracing Joy and Festivity
Dia de los Muertos is a joyous and festive holiday that brings people together to share laughter, food, and happy memories of their beloved departed. Families clean and decorate graves, create personalized altars in their homes, and participate in street parades to celebrate the lives of their ancestors.
Embracing the World
Although Dia de los Muertos is widely celebrated throughout Mexico and the Southwest, its popularity continues to grow worldwide each year. Many countries have their own similar celebrations to honor their ancestors, but the spirit of Dia de los Muertos seems to capture the hearts and minds of people from all corners of the globe.
Unveiling Calacas
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A Calaca, derived from the Spanish word for skeleton, is a playful representation of a skeleton. These grinning Calacas can be found everywhere during Dia de los Muertos, adorning artwork, entertaining with humorous performances and short films, and even taking the form of puppets.
Understanding Calaveras
Calaveras are representations of human skulls and serve as a universal symbol of humanity. You’ll find them in Day of the Dead-themed kids’ coloring activities, as edible sugar skulls, and depicted in face makeup.
Honoring with Ofrendas
Ofrendas, meaning offerings in English, are personalized altars designed to honor deceased relatives. These altars often include candles, food, flowers, and photographs, creating a sacred space for remembrance and reflection.
Experiencing La Procesion
La Procesion, or the procession, is a parade-like march that often concludes a Day of the Dead celebration. This march is a heartfelt tribute to the departed, filled with music, dancing, and spirited expressions of remembrance.
Meeting La Catrina
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La Catrina, also known as La Calavera Catrina, is a Mexican icon. This elegantly dressed Calaca, or skeleton woman, was immortalized by the famous Mexican printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada in 1910. Originally created as a critique of the aristocratic elite, La Catrina has now become synonymous with the celebration of Dia de los Muertos.
Hearing the Tale of La Llorona
La Llorona, or The Weeping Woman, is a legendary figure in Latin American folklore. Although variations of her story exist across regions, she is often depicted as a distraught mother searching for her lost children, trapped between the realms of the living and the dead. At our festivals, you may even catch a glimpse of her, as she wanders and tries to snatch away children who stray too far from their parents.
Joining the Celebration
Everyone is invited to celebrate Dia de los Muertos with us this Sunday, October 23rd, from 12-6 pm at Steele Indian School Park. Whether you’re new to the festivities or a seasoned participant, check out our post on the Do’s and Don’ts of Dia de los Muertos for guidance on what to wear, what to bring, and how best to immerse yourself in this enchanting celebration.
For more information about the event, including this year’s schedule and performance lineup, visit our event website, diadelosmuertosphx.com. Don’t forget to share the event with your friends on Facebook! Let’s join together in embracing the beauty of Dia de los Muertos and honoring the spirits of our ancestors.
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