In the movie Viva – Life is a Party, released by Pixar in 2017, little musician Miguel Rivera lives an adventure between two worlds in search of deceased relatives. The plot, which brings tears to even the hardest hearts, takes place during the celebration of the Day of the Dead in Mexico and is a good way to get in touch with the beliefs and traditions of this festival that is so important to Mexican culture.
But even better than seeing the party on the big screen is following it in flesh, blood and spirit. Visiting Mexico at any time of the year is quite a trip, but anyone who has the opportunity to be in the country between the last week of October and the first week of November can see one of the country’s most important cultural events up close. See now all the tips for planning your Day of the Dead in Mexico.
Read too: “We don’t die until we are forgotten”: Day of the Dead story
Mexican Skulls: history, art and social criticism
What is the origin of the Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico?
The cult of the dead and the way the Mexican people view death – more as an inevitable consequence of life and less as a moment of grief and mourning – was already part of the worldview of the people who inhabited Mexico before colonization. Death has always occupied an important place in the belief system of Mesoamerican peoples. To die was to transcend, to climb a step on the scale of existence, to join the Gods. It is no surprise that being offered as a human sacrifice was considered a great honor reserved for people of the highest social status.
Even at that time, some of these people, especially those who inhabited the central-southern region of Mexico and Central America, even dedicated entire months to honoring loved ones who no longer belonged to this world. The Day of the Dead celebration in current Mexico, however, arises from the religious syncretism between this pre-Hispanic vision and the Christianity that arrived later and brought the celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day to the country.
Where to celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico?
Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico occur throughout the country, but are more intense in the central and southern states, which inherited this relationship with death from their ancestors. Among them, the most famous and traditional celebrations take place in the states of Oaxaca and Michoacán.
The city of Oaxaca de Juarez has one of the most acclaimed Day of the Dead celebrations in the country and attracts thousands of tourists every year. There, the party takes place in the Zócalo and in the adjacent streets, all with lots of joy and shots of tequila. Click here to see the Day of the Dead schedule there. But anyone who is in Mexico City on that date won’t be left out either: the capital is decorated and offers shows with national and international artists in the Zócalo, as well as themed tours and Catrinas competitions, as the famous Mexican skulls are called.
Planning to spend Day of the Dead in Oaxaca? See our travel tips there.
How is Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico?
No sadness. Day of the Dead in Mexico is celebrated with lots of parties, music and food. According to local beliefs, between October 31st and November 2nd the gate that separates this world and the other opens and the spirits of our family members can cross the borders to visit us.
Days before the date, Mexican cities are beginning to decorate themselves with colorful flags, Mexican skulls and altars dedicated to the dead. From the 31st, the streets, houses and cemeteries are also filled with candles, in the traditional veils.
Between November 1st and 2nd, families usually gather at cemeteries to visit loved ones. Sometimes, they host a dinner there and include the favorite dishes and music of those honored at the party. They believe they are dining once again with the people who left.
Altars are everywhere and the elements placed on them vary according to the region, but they always include candles, a photo of the people honored and offerings of food and mezcal. Tamales, a typical dish reminiscent of our tamale, usually feature prominently in the setting up of altars, as do candies and sweets. There is even a typical bread that is prepared especially during this time, pan de muerto. Made with anise and covered with sugar, it is part of both altars and coffee and afternoon snack tables during the period. Sometimes, they are sold in the form of skulls and other characters from beyond.
During the week of the event, there are parades of people dressed as Mexican skulls through the streets of the city, as well as public parties, promoted by the city hall – with theatrical performances and music and typical dances from the country – and private ones, in bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Are you going to travel? Be sure to buy travel insurance for Mexico and avoid problems far from home. See here how to get the best value for money and even guarantee a discount!
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