Whether you are an adult or a child, you must have seen or at least heard about the movie “Coco,” which is based on a festival called the “The Day of the Dead.” Well, this festival, at least, is not fiction.
The Day of the Dead festival is a significant festival celebrated in Mexico from October 31 to November 2. If you want to enjoy this festival in Mexico, get Mexico car insurance for San Bernardino today.
The festival dates back to when the Spaniards and the Catholics came to Mexico, and the pre-Hispanic beliefs merged with the Catholic celebration of All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day practices giving rise to the Day of the Dead festival as we know it today. This festival is the perfect getaway for those interested in learning about authentic Mexican culture.
What is the Day of the Dead festival?
The Day of the Dead, or Da de Muertos, is observed from October 31 to November 2. All the Mexicans celebrate and mourn their departed loved ones during these days. This festival is a joyful and colorful celebration that honors the lives of deceased friends and family members and not in a gloomy way.
All Mexicans visit cemeteries, adorn the graves, and spend some time there. They often create ornately decorated altars called ofrendas in their homes to greet the spirits of their loved ones.
The main festival is commemorated on November 2, and it is believed that on this day, all deceased people’s spirits pass into the realm of the living. However, the commemoration usually starts on October 28, and each day is dedicated to a certain type of death. For instance, one day is for people who had an accidental death, and another is for children who passed before being baptized. All Saints’ Day on November 1 recognizes everyone a good life, especially the children.
What happens during the festival?
While regional differences exist, there are certain commonalities in the Day of the Dead festival all across Mexico. At the ofrendas, people generally display their deceased family’s favorite food and drinks and images of their deceased family members. In some regions, families welcome anybody interested in witnessing the altar into their homes and provide them with Mexican food. Moreover, people visit the cemeteries and lay flowers and candles on the graves of their loved ones.
The markets are adorned with skulls made from tissue paper, which are also displayed in restaurants and shops. You will find the sweet scent of the incense sticks all around the town or city you are in, along with the beautiful marigold petals used to decorate the entire place. To enjoy this beautiful Day of the Dead festival in Mexico, you must visit the southern states of Oaxaca, Michoacán, and Chiapas, as the festival is vibrant and colorful here.
Conclusion
The Day of the Dead festival in Mexico is one of the unique celebrations in the world. In 2008, UNESCO recognized it as a part of the Intangible World Heritage. Get Mexican auto insurance for San Bernardino to come and witness such a beautiful festival in Mexico.