The belief in the circle of life and death is alive and well in Mexican culture. Death is not to be feared as spirits of the departed are welcomed, honored and remembered.
Halloween marks the beginning of the fiesta of what we refer to in the United States as the Day of the Dead - El dia de los Muertos.Most often referred to as the Day of the Dead, it is actually a fiesta that lasts several days. Los Dias de los Muertos (the Days of the Dead) extends for three days, October 31 - November 2.
The festivities include lively mariachi music, colorful art, sugar skulls, marigolds, humorous costumes, decorating of gravesites and the building of altars. During these days people celebrate the lives and the memories of those who have crossed to the other side. It is a time when the departed souls are allowed to come back to the world for a visit. Preparations are full of excitement and merrymaking.
On October 31 (our Halloween) families begin preparing the food, decorations and the altar (ofrenda) that will be used during the festivities. November 1 (All Saints' Day-Roman Catholic Church’s day for Saints) is the day that the angelitos (spirits of the dead children) arrive. November 2 (All Souls' Day-Roman Catholic Church remembers the departed) is the day for the spirits of the adults arrival.
The spiritual practice of celebrating dead ancestors has been observed by indigenous civilizations perhaps for as long as 2,500–3,000 years. Even in the pre-Hispanic era, it was common to keep skulls as trophies, objects of power and wisdom and display them during the rituals to symbolize death and rebirth. Particularly in Mexico it is traced back to the Aztec calendar and it was celebrated during an entire month. The celebrations were dedicated to the “Lady of the Dead.”
In Guatemala the celebration is marked by creating and flying giant kites as well as visiting cemeteries.
In Ecuador, the Day of the Dead is observed by most of the people but it is especially significant to the indigenous Kichwa people. The families gather atthe community cemetery with offerings of food and partake of native ceremonial foods like colada morada,a spiced fruit stew that includes blackberries and purple maize and guagua de pan, a bread shaped like a swaddled infant with guava filling.
In Brazil, this public holiday of Finados ( the Deceased) is celebrated on November 2. Families go to church and cemeteries with flowers, candles and prayers.
Rituals, celebrations and prayers for the departed are also found throughout the world in Europe, Asia and Africa.
Whether it’s a tradition you embrace or are simply curious about exploring, here are some interesting happenings in NYC that may open you up to a whole new way of seeing things...
Adults
Day of the Dead Tequila Tasting at Mayahuel, Monday, November 2 9:00pm, $50
Location: 304 E. 6th St.
Day of the Dead Exhibit at Azucarera Gallery, Through November 12th
Location: 414 West 145th St.
Mexican born and New York-based artists Felipe Galindo and Andrea Arroyo present an diverse combination of work. Galindo features a humorous series of pieces inspired by the traditional Day of the Dead family alter, while Arroyo’s works focus on the tragedy of the disappearing women in Juarez, Mexico.
Kids/family
Day of the Dead at Saint Marks Church in the Bowery
Saturday, October 29-Wednesday, November 2, FREE
Location: 131 East 10th St. between Second and Third Avenues
Mano a Mano recreated a Mexican village churchyard and offers activities to honor those who have passed. Celebration includes workshops in alter-building, paper flower making, poetry, and bread baking. Dance procession and musical performances also part of the festivities. See website for full schedule.
Union Settlement Associations Day of the Dead event, Wednesday, November 2, 6:00-7:00pm
$1 for children, $2 for adults
Location: 237 E. 104th St. between 2nd and 3rd Ave
Traditional Mexican food from 6:00-7:00 followed by dance and Mariachi performances.
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