1) Preparations for the Mexican Day of the Dead
A. The streets of Mexico City before the Day of the Dead
On the streets of Mexico City at the end of October, it’s impossible to miss the ubiquitous marigold flower, or cempasúchil, as it’s known here. It invades the streets and market stalls of the capital.
The Coyoacan market, for example, is a hive of activity on October 31. Mexicans flock to the aisles in search of decorations for their homes. The next two days are dedicated to celebrating the Day of the Dead.🔥PRODUCTS OF THE MOMENT🔥
Take advantage of our limited-time offers now !
B. The decoration of the Mexican Feast of the Dead
Back home, Mexicans decorate their homes and set up the family offering. While the Papel Picado is hung, some thin out cempasuchil flowers and arrange them, while others use colored sawdust to draw skulls on the floor.
Dressed skeletons are also arranged around the offering. Meanwhile, copal incense is lit, filling the room with its distinctive fragrance. The smoke creates a mystical atmosphere around the offering.
Sugar skulls, known as Calaveras, also begin to appear. These Calaveras are emblematic of the Day of the Dead. They are bought and passed down from generation to generation, some being very old.
2) Preparing the Day of the Dead offering
The preparation of the offering takes place in a warm atmosphere, as Día de Muertos is above all a joyous celebration where we prepare to receive our departed. More than three hours of work are needed to prepare this offering, where every element has its importance.
A. Cempasúchil flower
As well as being beautiful, the cempasúchil flower gives off a scent that attracts the spirits of the dead. This flower guides spirits to their destination.B. Candle
Like the scent of cempasúchils, candles are lit to illuminate the path of the deceased and guide them inside the houses.
C. Photos of the offering
Offering photos recall the appearance of those who have left.D. Food
Food is an important element. These are the dishes that the deceased enjoyed while they were alive. Drinks are also added, such as tequila or beer. Bread for the dead is another essential element.
Discover our pretty Mexican Skull mold, designed to make real Mexican skulls quickly and easily.E. Copal incense
Copal incense is an important element. Its smoke and fragrance attract spirits and purify the air and space to allow souls to come.F. Water and Salt
Every offering also includes water and salt. The water soothes the thirst of the departed after their long journey, while the salt purifies their souls.G. Papel picado (confetti)
Each confetti represents a scene from the life of a loved one. Each tells the story of a deceased person by lighting a candle in their memory.
3) Día de Muertos: The day the dead return
A. Preparing the graves
The following morning, November 1, is a public holiday. Mexicans take advantage of this to travel to their hometowns. In Ocoyoacac, for example, families gather around their mothers’ graves. They clean and flower the graves. Once the graves are in bloom, they spend some time reminiscing with their mothers, before returning to the capital.
B. Day of the Dead celebrations in the city
In Mexico City, the mood changes. Public offerings can be seen all over the city, in squares or at universities. What unites them is the omnipresent presence of Catrinas, whether mannequins, statuettes or people in make-up and disguises. In the streets, people put make-up on each other.Want to celebrate the Day of the Dead in style? Then our collection of Mexican Skull T-shirts is for you.
C. La Catrina: the festival of the dead incarnate in Mexico
La Catrina was originally created as a caricature to mock the natives who were starting to get rich and adopting the lifestyle of the wealthy. José Guadalupe Posada, a caricaturist, created the Catrina to mock them.It’s only recently that this tradition has come back with a vengeance and become increasingly popular the world over. You’ve probably seen Mexican skull make-up somewhere, or Catrinas putting on make-up and disguising themselves in this way for the Feast of the Dead, or even for Halloween, as celebrated in North America or Europe.
D. The evening of November 1
When evening comes, usually at 7pm on November 1, the “Campareros” (bell ringers) start ringing the bells. From then on, people can go into their homes. Knock on the door, shouting “Campareros mon tamal, give me permission to enter”. Then a small bell is rung, and people open the door. We then proceed to the offering and recite specific prayers. Songs dedicated to the offering are sung. Then we wait to see if people want to offer fruit. Then we continue on our way to visit another house.
E. The souls of the departed return to earth
November 2 is the day when the dead are allowed to visit their families. Some put on make-up and dress up as their families. There are lots of people, especially in the main alley, where you can find all sorts of things to buy: disguises, food, little souvenirs to take home. From the village entrance to the cemetery and church, you can see a large crowd.At the cemetery, despite the crowds at the entrance, a singular atmosphere reigns with all these people in front of the beautifully flowered graves. The rain and the smoke of copal incense create a special atmosphere here.Discover our Mexican Skull painting to pay tribute to the departed in the best possible way.
From generation to generation, these traditions have been passed down, and every year we celebrate them in the same way our ancestors taught us.Why the Day of the Dead? For Mexicans, the Day of the Dead is an opportunity to celebrate their dead, who come to visit them at home. They try to communicate with them and be happy.So Mexicans stay up all evening with their loved ones, surrounded by beautifully flowered tombs, illuminated by candles they keep relighting. Some here believe that during the twelve strokes of midnight, the dead finally return home.
As for us, we think this is a good time to say goodbye. We hope you’ve enjoyed this article on Día de Muertos.🔥PRODUCTS OF THE MOMENT🔥
Take advantage of our limited-time offers now !
