We were able to go to Ixtapa last weekend because the kids had a long weekend for Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). They had Tuesday off already and then Friday morning, decided to call Monday off as well. Day of the Dead is one of the biggest celebrations in all of Mexico. I have learned a little about over the last month and it's very different from what I thought it was.
Day of the Dead combines the beliefs of the indigenous ancestors and how the Catholic religion from the Spanish roots viewed death. It is a day to remember and "celebrate with" loved ones who have died. All around Mexico, you see altars with candles, skeletons, flowers, and food and drink for them to share with their loved ones on their return. It is, more or less, a more intense version of going to visit a gravesite in the US. They have special days for those who have no survivors, those who died by accident, children, and all of the others (November 2). There's a lot more to it, but those are the basics.
An altar in Queretaro
A symbol of Day of the Dead...Katrinas
No comments:
Post a Comment