Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, Mexico, United StatesSkulls made of sugar, dancing skeletons in fancy dress, colorful masks decorated with flowers ... these are all part of the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations that spring from deep in Mexican history. The Day of the Dead is not a scary holiday even though it takes place so close to Halloween. It's a warm family celebration in honor of relatives and friends who have passed away. Each year, Mexican graveyards and home altars are decorated with gifts, food, and drinks left for the dead-toys, sweets, atole (a hot, tasty Mexican drink), tequila, and whatever other favorites might entice spirits to hear the prayers and remembrances held for them.
The right kind of flower is especially important. Marigolds -- their petals sometimes scattered in paths from graveyards to homes -- are thought to guide dead spirits back to the world of the living for a happy family reunion.
Although the dates for the Day of the Dead vary from place to place, November 1st is often the day honoring dead children, and while November 2nd is for adults. The tradition is thought to date back thousands of years to pre-Columbian times, and these days it continues not only throughout Mexico but in many United States communities as well. Wherever you might be traveling late in October or early in November, it's well worth checking for a Día de los Muertos celebration. You'll find wonderful food, music, performances, and parades. There's usually a hands-on workshop or two where you can learn to make sugar skulls, puppets, papier mâché masks, traditional treats, and the lovely altars that families build in remembrance of the departed.
U.S. cities that celebrate the Day of the Dead include Seattle, Austin, El Paso, Phoenix, Houston, Santa Fe, Tucson, Missoula, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Portland, Cleveland, Longmont (Colorado), and many others around the country. The dates of these local fiestas vary, so check ahead. Here's how the Día de los Muertos is honored in a few big cities...Continue reading D�a de los Muertos celebrations around the USD�a de los Muertos celebrations around the US originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
No comments:
Post a Comment