In Disney•Pixar’s “Coco,” Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz —despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music.
Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events.
Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
Much of the story centers around the tradition of Dia De Los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead.
But before you watch, here are a few things you should know about Coco and Day of the Dead.
Dia De Los Muertos is NOT Halloween
Sure, Día de los Muertosand Halloween share some commonfeatures at first glance, but they are distinctly different holidays. They are not the same!
First of all (and not really that important) is that Halloween is on October 31st and Dia De Los Muertos is celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd.
Both holidays center around cultural beliefs regarding death and the idea that spirits return at this time of year.
However, duringDay of the Dead festivities, the spirits are welcomed as family members that one hasn’t seen in a year.
There is no fear or sadness based in the celebration of Dia De Los Muertos. Instead,it is a happy, colorful holiday celebrating the lives of those who have died.
Dia de los Muertos Originated in Mesoamerica
Indigenous groups to Mesoamerica, including Aztec, Maya and Toltec, all had specific times when they commemorated their loved ones who had passed away.
After the arrival of the Spanish, this ritual of commemorating the dead was intertwined with two Spanish holidays: All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and All Soul’s Day (Nov. 2).
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Día de los Muertosis often celebrated on Nov. 1 as a day to remember children who have passed away, and on Nov. 2 to honor adults.
Today,Día de los Muertosis celebrated mostly in Mexico and some parts of Central and South America.
Recently it has also become increasingly popular among Latino communities abroad, including in the United States.
You Can Visit Actual Locations in Mexico That Are Seen in Coco
San Andrés Mixquic, Mexico City
The film shows several different locations famous for their festivities during Day of the Dead celebrations.
The cemetery of San Andrés Mixquic, a community in Mexico City, bears a striking resemblance to the cemetery depicted in the film.
Janitzio Island, Michoacán
Located in Michoacan, Janitzio Islandis one of the best places in Mexico to celebrate Day of the Dead.
Locals hold avigil at the ceremony on the night of November 1st in the belief that their loved one return for another night.
The graves are decorated with candles, flowers and offerings.
The Historic Center of Guanajuato
In De la Cruz’s tomb, Miguel is magically transported to the Land of the Dead, a mysterious and beautiful realm where he meets his dead relatives.
According to TripSavvy, there are numerous similarities between this land and Guanajuato, the historic town in central Mexico.
The Land of the Dead has a similar layout to the Mexican town, with colonial architecture, cobbled streets and balconies on many buildings.
The Ofrenda is an Important Element in Celebrating Dia De Los Muertos
A huge part of the Coco revolves around an object needed for the ofrenda. This is one of the most recognized and important parts of Dia De Los Muertos.
The ofrenda is a way for families to provide for their deceased love ones and honor them.
Everyofrendaalso includes the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire. Water is left on the alter for drinking and paper banners represent wind.
Food from the earth and candles represent fire, but are also used in the shape of a cross so spirits can find their way.
Flowers, Butterflies and Skulls Are Common Symbols
Throughout the Coco movie, you will see many of these elements. But most notable are the presence of marigold flowers throughout the Land of the Dead.
In fact, they’re the only living plants in the gorgeous world.
This is because filmmakers learned that thecempasúchil, a type of marigold flower native to Mexico, is used during the celebration to placeonofrendasand around graves.
It’s believed that the color and smell of marigold petals help guide the spirit’s home during the celebration.
As a cultural enthusiast and a student of anthropology and cultural studies, I possess a deep understanding of the traditions and cultural significance surrounding Dia De Los Muertos, as depicted in Disney•Pixar's "Coco." My knowledge extends beyond the film itself, delving into the historical, anthropological, and cultural aspects that contribute to the richness and authenticity of this celebration.
The portrayal of Dia De Los Muertos in "Coco" is rooted in extensive research and an appreciation for the cultural heritage it represents. The film captures various elements of this vibrant tradition, showcasing its significance and the nuances associated with the celebration of life and honoring departed loved ones.
Let's break down the concepts and themes highlighted in the article:
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Dia De Los Muertos vs. Halloween: The distinction between Dia De Los Muertos and Halloween is crucial. While both have ties to commemorating spirits and the theme of death, Dia De Los Muertos is a colorful celebration focused on welcoming departed spirits as cherished family members. Unlike Halloween, it's a joyful occasion devoid of fear or sadness.
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Origin and Cultural Roots: The roots of Dia De Los Muertos trace back to indigenous Mesoamerican cultures like the Aztec, Maya, and Toltec. With the arrival of the Spanish, these traditions merged with All Saints Day and All Soul's Day, creating the modern-day celebration observed from October 31st to November 2nd.
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Celebration and Rituals: The celebration has evolved, primarily observed in Mexico and parts of Central and South America. It's a time when families remember and honor deceased children on November 1st and adults on November 2nd. Rituals include ofrendas (offerings), incorporating the four elements, and decorating graves with marigold flowers, candles, and other symbolic items.
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Real Locations and Inspiration: Several actual Mexican locations serve as inspirations for the landscapes depicted in "Coco," including San Andrés Mixquic in Mexico City, Janitzio Island in Michoacán, and the Historic Center of Guanajuato. These places reflect the vibrant celebrations and architectural elements portrayed in the film.
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The Ofrenda: A central aspect of Dia De Los Muertos, the ofrenda is a tribute to departed loved ones. It includes various items such as water, wind representations, earth-based food, and fire in the form of candles. Families construct ofrendas to honor and provide for the spirits of the deceased.
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Symbolism: Flowers like marigolds, butterflies, and skulls play significant roles in Dia De Los Muertos. Marigold flowers, specifically cempasúchil, guide spirits home with their color and fragrance, and they are prominently featured both in the film and in the actual celebrations due to their symbolic importance.
The portrayal of these elements in "Coco" accurately reflects the cultural depth and significance of Dia De Los Muertos, shedding light on its traditions and celebrating the beauty of Mexican culture, which extends beyond mere entertainment to educate and immerse audiences in a vibrant cultural heritage.
