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The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a Catholic celebration of the memory of deceased ancestors that is celebrated on November 1 (All Saints) and November 2 (All Souls).
This unique and very important holiday, which celebrates the continuity of life, takes place in Oaxaca with more ceremony, ritual and flair than in any other town in Mexico. Despite the morbid subject matter, this holiday is celebrated joyfully, and though it occurs at the same time as Halloween, All Saints' Day, and All Souls Day, the mood of The Day of the Dead is much lighter, with the emphasis on celebrating and honoring the lives of the deceased, rather than fearing evil or malevolent spirits.
The whole family takes part in preparing for the celebration. The women of the household have the greatest responsibility, as they must start to save what little money they have long before the awaited days arrive. Little by little, the scarce centavos go to buy new dishes, which are stored under the family altar, waiting for the arrival of the honored guests.
The Zapotecs believed that the spirits come to visit their homes once again on this day. They come to celebrate with the living and to enjoy the spirit of what their earthly descendants have prepared for them. For this reason, the preparation is anything but haphazard. Certain types of flowers, foods and decorations are called for and the conscientious family is well aware of exactly what must be done.
The Zapotecs believed that the spirits come to visit their homes once again on this day. They come to celebrate with the living and to enjoy the spirit of what their earthly descendants have prepared for them. For this reason, the preparation is anything but haphazard. Certain types of flowers, foods and decorations are called for and the conscientious family is well aware of exactly what must be done.
On the days leading up to the celebration, the markets are lively and animated - not somber or serious at all. There is a saying in Oaxaca; “We are not here for a long time, we are here for a good time.” Tiny home-made stands appear in the market, selling sugar skulls, special bread called pan de yema, bright yellow marigold flowers, delicate hand made ornaments and hand-dipped candles for the altar.
The final preparations take place on the night of October 31st, bringing the whole community and generations of families out to the cemetery. The grave sites are cleaned, decorated and bedecked with flowers and candles, as well as food and drink that the deceased loved while living.
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• The continuity of life is clearly illumined by the love of families •
Photo by Miguel Angel Avendaño
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A unique opportunity to visit the cemetery and participate in the preparation of this great homecoming. This not to be missed event is prefaced by a pre-tour lecture by Mary Jane Mendoza. Be sure to visit the market to purchase flowers and candles, so you too can participate. Event starts at 7:00 p.m. and the tour returns at around 10:30 p.m.
DAY OF THE DEAD OAXACA
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LIGHTING THE WAY FOR DEPARTED SOULS:
Candles play as vital a role in the lives of Oaxacans as does music. No wedding, funeral or fiesta is complete without them. At this time of the year Viviana is inundated with special requests for decorative candles to adorn altars for Day of The Dead...... [FULL STORY]
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