How Accurate Are Coco's Mexican Traditions? - Looper (2024)

FAQs

How accurate is Coco to Mexican culture? ›

Coco does something else entirely, a movie set in rural Mexico, rooted in popular Mexican culture in which not one single mention of crime or migration (other than the journey to the afterlife). Cocos authenticity is immediately recognized by the way the characters speak.

The representation in Coco is a composite, but the individual elements would be recognizable to those familiar with the tradition. The film is rich in Day of the Dead imagery such as decorated cemeteries and ofrendas (offerings)—temporary memorial spaces devoted to deceased family and friends.

Coco is a good representation of a Mexican subculture, one you can find at small southern towns such as ones from Michoacan. There are different ways to celebrate Día de Muertos, and the one represented in Coco is just one of the more colorful and beautiful ones.

Coco gives us a vivid and beautiful view into how tradition plays a large role in how we remember, honor, and keep those who have died in our lives. For the Riveras and many families in Mexico, Dia de Muertos is an important holiday in honoring and memorializing their person(s) who died.

Most of the iconography in the picture was well researched by the Pixar team, but not all. I´d say about 75% - 80% of the picture is accurate, and the rest is a respectful but foreign point of view.

The film gives a very true and strong look at some elements of the Mexican culture and it is clear that lot of research and love was involved in making the movie a reality.

The film celebrates the Day of the Dead

Like many Mexicans, Miguel's family construct an altar to honor their deceased family members, decorating it with their photos and stacking it high with offerings such as candles, marigold flowers and personal possessions.

Coco's clear happiness to be singing with her great-grandson is something Coco got very right. But La Joie appreciated one thing about the movie that's more important than accuracy: it showed a person with dementia approaching the end of her life with dignity and surrounded by love.

The film Coco serves as bridging the cultural gap, educating people to respect and reverse misunderstandings. The placing of countless references to specific practices and traditions is very deliberate in portraying Mexican culture.

The driving goal of the film was to “ensure that Mexicans and Mexican Americans felt that their cultural traditions were respected.” The big theme stemming from ​Coco​ is that death is not something that should be feared and the driving force of the film is a focus on the family.

What is the deeper meaning of Coco? ›

Coco is a strong reminder of the power of family, how our bonds and connections with those who died never end and how our traditions and stories keep our loved ones alive.

The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician like his great-great-grandfather Ernesto de la Cruz, a popular singer-songwriter who died when he was crushed by a bell in a live concert. Because De la Cruz abandoned his family for fame, music has been banned in Miguel's household.

The film received acclaim for its animation, voice acting, music, visuals, emotional story, and respect for Mexican culture. It grossed over $814 million worldwide, becoming the 16th highest-grossing animated film ever at the time of its release.

Miguel was the one who was able to keep Hector's memory alive with Coco and reminding her that her father loved her very much. At the conclusion of the film, Miguel kept his great great grandfather's spirit alive in the rest of his family's heart.

Coco showcases Mexico's many fantastical folk creatures

Alebrijes are brightly-colored sculptures representing fantastical creatures born from Mexican folk traditions. The film features a number of these fantastical creatures, including a flying dog and a winged jaguar.

Set in Mexico during Día de los Muertos, Coco follows the musically passionate Miguel and his journey to the Land of the Dead as he meets his ancestors while trying to return to the living world. Several years of research were put into ensuring that the film respected and honored the culture and traditions of Mexico.

“My family back in Mexico City was shocked and moved by how truthfully the film captured traditions and Mexican idiosyncrasies,” he said. “They couldn't believe that an American studio had made the film, as it felt like an authentically Mexican work of art.”

This animated film is based on the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos and follows the journey of Miguel, a young boy and aspiring musician (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez).