Dio de Muertos is a Mexican holiday that honors those who have passed. Families celebrate the lives of the dead, and pray for them, to help them on their spiritual journey. It is a tradition that dates back to the Aztec, and their celebration and ritual regarding the Lady of the Dead.
On October 31, All Hallows Eve, the children make a children’s altar to invite the angelitos (spirits of dead children) to come back for a visit. November 1 is All Saints Day, and the adult spirits will come to visit. November 2 is All Souls Day, when families go to the cemetery to decorate the graves and tombs of their relatives. The three-day fiesta filled with marigolds, the flowers of the dead; muertos (the bread of the dead); sugar skulls; cardboard skeletons; tissue paper decorations; fruit and nuts; incense, and other traditional foods and decorations. -Frances Ann Day, Latina and Latino Voices in Literature.
I thought Cozumel might have a big celebration during the 3 days, but though there were examples on the plaza, there wasn’t a fiesta or party. Going to the cemetery seemed like an intrusion, so I did not go there and cannot tell you what happened there.
Enjoy the photos of The Day of the Dead! I think it is a fascinating tradition…I love the skulls and imagery of skeletons!
Thanks for the fun, colorful photos. The photo-bomb guy made me laugh.
he made me laugh too!
The more I learn about this celebration, the more I like it. Great photos, and that photo bomb guy is the bomb! LOL
He cracked me up.
I have Spanish friends that celebrate this holiday here in Pennsylvania. I think it is a beautiful way to memorialize and to celebrate the lives of those we have lost. As a Catholic we will celebrate All Souls Day next Sunday. We go to Mass, mention our passed loved ones names, light candles, eat and go visit the graves.
Really? Catholics do that? I’ve never heard that.
Living in Southern California, Day of the Dead is a big holiday which I’ve come to appreciate more and more over time. Love your photos. They tell such a great story.
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You’d think it would be big in Texas, but if it is, I haven’t heard about it.
I love the ceremony and the ritual associated with Day of the Dead. Great photos and wonderful historical background! Thanks Tam!
Such a fascinating tradition of which I know nothing. Thank you for sharing the super photos (love that very first one!!).
I wish I’d gone to the cemetery to watch…but I just felt like it should be private.
Your photos are beautiful. Someday I’d like to visit Mexico when Day of the Dead is going on. It sounds so interesting.
Quite fascinating…so different from how we view death.
you had the experience I hoped to have in Santa Fe. I’m coming with you, next time!
Wow, you always have such fun adventures! Love the pics. What a blast! I love the creative energy around Halloween. It really makes life alive with color and excitement.
What fun !!