Page 42 - summer book

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

It may seem a bit early to be talking about an event taking place in late October, but
Day of The Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a festive occasion in Mexico and the best
locations to experience this are filling up.
It is in the capital Mexico City, where the celebrations are the biggest, loudest and
grandest in all of Mexico. It’s amazing parade with costumes, floats and charros on
horseback, is the cornerstone of the event. The Mega ofrendas (altars) are erected in
major squares and museums throughout the city. Men, women and children alike adorn
themselves with beautiful skull face paintings (Catrinas) and enjoy food and drink at
the cemeteries to honor their deceased family members. Dia de los Muertos is indeed
one of the best times to visit Mexico City. The parade begins in the Zocalo, the city’s
downtown and I recommend you book your stay in this area, as it offers many historical
sites. In addition, it is the main base station for the THE BUS tours. This is a great way
to see the city, with many stops to get off explore and get back on at your convenience.
An alternative location to experience Oct. 30 - Nov 5, is Oaxaca, with its unique culture
and traditions. Join the local residents as they decorate the cemeteries on this special
day, and see the altars that welcome back spirits of loved ones. Oaxaca City is well
known as a center of art, food, handicraft and of course Mescal!!
The origin of the Day of the Dead is shrouded in mystery and draws from a blend of
Catholic and Mesoamerican pagan beliefs that date back to pre-Hispanic times. In those
ancient days, indigenous communities crafted human-shaped figures out of amaranth
dough and adorned them with prickly pear juice, symbolizing the flowing of blood and
representing those who had crossed over into Mictlan, the Aztec underworld.
This trip is sure to excite your senses, with thousands of flowers everywhere, the smell
of good food, the sounds of lively music & especially the privilege to witness this won-
derful celebration.
The Mexicans have, without a doubt, another perspective of honoring death.
They teach us a wonderful lesson in life.