While I see Halloween as a time to dress up like characters in horror films, Day of the Dead for me is like going back in time in which I remember the past while also dressing up in traditional Mexican dresses and rebozos. We also celebrate with huge parties to give thanks to our own lives and those who are still around us. Couldn't be further from reality, as we rejoice the lives of those we love and who are no longer on Earth. Mainstream America, and the general public worldwide for that matter, have taken on this ancient Mexican tradition and repurposed it to include all the Day of the Dead staples (such as vigil processions to-and-from cemeteries), while also incorporating new customs such as hosting art exhibitions with a theme that corresponds to the holiday.īecause Day of the Dead, which takes place on November 2nd, follows Halloween, some people might conclude that Dia de los Muertos is an evil holiday in which Mexicans praise death. It's based on two principles in particular: One, it celebrates the lives of people who've passed away by luring them with gifts so they return to visit us and two, it's about reminiscing with friends and family, among brightly-colored decorations such as luminous marigolds, strands of hanging papel picado, and ornate calacas (spirited skeletons). For starters, Mexicans have been honoring Day of the Dead, (or All Souls Day and All Saints Day as it's also known by Catholics) for thousands of years. I know what you're thinking:"Sugar skulls and the birth of Christ? How can these two events possibly have anything in common?"
This festive celebration combines my two favorite holidays: Halloween and Christmas.
26, 2012— - I live for Dia de los Muertos.
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