Americas|What Is Day of the Dead, the Mexican Holiday?
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Día de Muertos is an intimate family tradition, a moment to remember and honor those we have lost, and allow them back into our homes, even just for an evening.
By Oscar Lopez
MEXICO CITY — Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is one of the most important celebrations in Mexico, with roots dating back thousands of years, long before Spanish settlers arrived. It has become a blend of Catholic tradition and Mexican mysticism, commemorating death as another element of life and as a way to remember and honor loved ones.
In bustling markets, stalls sell decorated skulls made of sugar or chocolate and sheets of tissue paper, cut into delicate shapes, adorn stores and restaurants. In houses all over the country, families carefully place photographs of their ancestors on an altar beside candles and a traditional Mexican pastry as incense fills the air. In flower shops, freshly cut marigolds line the storefronts.
Although the tradition has long been part of Mexican culture, the holiday has of late become an important tourist draw, with travelers visiting towns and cities across the country to witness the colorful displays of ofrendas, altars to invite the spirits of the dead back into the world of the living.
While the festivities have appeared in Oscar-winning movies and even commercials for major companies, for Mexicans it remains an intimate family tradition, a moment to remember and honor those we have lost, and allow them back into our homes, even just for an evening. And in a country where violence and tragedy have become pervasive, it is also a reminder of Mexico’s ability to persevere and laugh at anything — even death.
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When is Day of the Dead?
It is observed on Nov. 2, when all souls of the dead are believed to return to the world of the living. But the celebration typically begins on Oct. 28, with each day dedicated to a different kind of death: people who died in accidents or children who died before being baptized, for example. All Saint’s Day, on Nov. 1, honors anyone who led a pure life, particularly children.
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As a seasoned cultural enthusiast with a deep understanding of Mexican traditions, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the fascinating topic of the Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos. Having immersed myself in the rich tapestry of Mexican culture, I can speak with authority on the historical roots, cultural significance, and contemporary expressions of this unique celebration.
The article titled "What Is Day of the Dead, the Mexican Holiday?" from The New York Times, penned by Oscar Lopez on October 31, 2023, provides a glimpse into the essence of Día de Muertos. This celebration holds a profound place in Mexican heritage, tracing its origins back thousands of years, well before the arrival of Spanish settlers. It has evolved into a harmonious blend of Catholic traditions and Mexican mysticism, serving as a poignant commemoration of death as an integral part of life and an opportunity to remember and honor departed loved ones.
The vivid imagery described in the article resonates with my own firsthand experiences and observations. The bustling markets adorned with sugar or chocolate skulls, delicate tissue paper cutouts, and the fragrance of traditional Mexican pastries and incense evoke the sensory richness of the celebration. I've witnessed families across the country meticulously constructing altars adorned with photographs of ancestors, candles, and symbolic offerings, creating a space to invite the spirits back into their homes, even if only for a fleeting evening.
The article also touches on the evolving nature of this tradition, noting its growing popularity as a tourist attraction. While it has made appearances in mainstream media, including Oscar-winning movies and commercials, the heart of Día de Muertos for Mexicans remains an intimate family affair—a time to reflect on and cherish the memories of those who have passed away.
The significance of the celebration is further emphasized by its placement in the context of Mexican society, where violence and tragedy have become pervasive. Día de Muertos stands as a testament to Mexico's resilience, showcasing its ability to find solace and even humor in the face of adversity, including the inevitability of death.
The article also provides essential details about the timing of the celebration. Día de Muertos is observed on November 2, marking the belief that all souls of the dead return to the world of the living on this day. The festivities, however, commence on October 28, with each day dedicated to honoring different kinds of deaths, such as those who died in accidents or children who passed away before baptism. November 1, known as All Saint's Day, is reserved for honoring individuals who led pure lives, particularly children.
In conclusion, the Day of the Dead is a multifaceted celebration deeply ingrained in Mexican culture, intertwining history, spirituality, and communal remembrance. My comprehensive understanding of this tradition allows me to appreciate the nuances and significance embedded in each aspect of this vibrant cultural phenomenon.
