This weekend is the celebration of Dia de los Muertos in Mexico. Being that I am half-Mexican, I thought for this weeks Wanderlust Wednesday we could look into that. Now, my family is from north west Mexico so they don’t really go all out like they do in the South. Now, I personally don’t believe in all the rituals and what not of the celebration but seeing that I love food, color, and its a part of my heritage, I do find it all quite interesting. I do respect other peoples beliefs yet I would love to travel through southern Mexico at this particular time of the year just to see it first hand.
When most people think of Dia de los Muertos they just think of the sugar skulls. They are a big part of the whole ordeal but the whole celebration is meant to honor the memories of those who have passed. It’s a tradition that has been going on since the days of the Aztecs. For the weekend there are parades, exhibitions, concerts and the markets are filled with flowers, food and decorations.
Families prepare their loved ones favorite foods and create altars in their rememberance. They go to the cemeteries and fill it with flowers (mainly marigolds), candles and food. They spend the night there in honor of the ones that have passed. They believe that it is during this time that their love ones spirits return to eat and drink and some feel as if they can feel their loved ones with them more than any other point in the year.
Some of the most popular places that really go all out in their festivities are Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Michoacan and Guanajuato. One of these years I’ll make my way down there to see it first hand.
Needs Room to Wander 