Mexico is a country with an extensive and unique culture which is very representative worldwide. Its national celebrations are full of color and tradition and reflect the strong roots of its inhabitants and are a great attraction for tourists and foreigners.
One of the most important commemorations that take place throughout the Mexican territory is "The Day of the Dead", considered one of the most representative traditions of our Mexican culture. On November 1st and 2nd, we celebrate the memory and a ritual that privileges remembrance over oblivion. In pre-Hispanic times, the cult of death was one of the basic elements of the culture, when someone died they were buried wrapped in a mat and their relatives organized a party to guide them on their journey to Mictlán.
In the same way, they would place food that they liked in life, with the belief that they could become hungry. That is why we used to visit the loved ones that had already departed in the cemeteries and prepare altars with food,
candles, incense, photographs and flowers to remember them. It is only during these days that the souls of loved ones can return from the afterlife to be close to their loved ones.
According to Catholic tradition, on November 1st we celebrate All Saints Day, remembering all those who died without being saints, as well as those who died at a young age such as children.
And the Day of the Faithful Departed takes place on November 2nd, where a prayer is said for those who have not entered paradise. This being one of the most colorful and lively traditions of our beautiful and beloved Mexico, some regions celebrate it in different ways, but they all have a common principle: the family gathers to welcome the souls, place altars and offerings, decorating with photos of family members and loved ones who have passed away.
loved ones who have passed away. Where the representative elements of the ofrendas are the cempaxúchitl flower, papel picado, incense and food that the honorees like, as well as sugar skulls with the names of the living.
We are also accustomed to visit the cemetery and decorate their graves with food and flowers, in addition to setting the funeral scene with music, all worthy of a real party, saying goodbye to visitors and sitting at the table to share the food and share with those who are still with us.
