Dia de los Muertos: Do Stories Still Matter?
J.L. Rocha Collections
Dia de los Muertos: Do Stories Still Matter?
J.L. Rocha Values
Dia de los Muertos has become more popular across cultures, borders, and media throughout recent history. The beauty of this time honored day surrounded by rich colors, marigolds, and candlelight has inspired celebrations all over the world; yet many still do not fully understand the impact and history of this day of reverence. This posts will outline the history of Dia de los Muertos, some cultural events across the globe, and what Dia de los Muertos truly means to us.
The History of Dia de los Muertos
Photo by Ursula Castillo on Unsplash
Pre-Spanish History; Day of the Dead
Before the conquest of what is now Mexico, the indigenous Mexica held various celebrations throughout the year to honor the dead, with a specific celebration for the most important members of their society at the time of harvesting of crops traditionally between September and November. The pre-conquest Mexica held various days of ritual celebration to lay their dead to rest while providing them with offerings to present on their journey through the afterlife to reach their final destination.
The indigenous people would adorn and care for their lost over the course of four days, and would place additional offerings on their alters dedicated to each distinct deity which ruled specified afterlives. Mictlantecuhtli and his wife Mictlancíhuatl, for example, were said to be rulers of Mictlán - the final realm of the Aztec afterlife and celebrated during this time in association with any not felled by water or battle (which had their own dedicated afterlives).
The Catholic Alterations
In Europe during the 8th Century, the festival of All Saints Day was created by the Catholic Church to record all lost faithful as a result of the Black Plague. This festival of faith became a tradition throughout the Catholic Church, and was ratified to be celebrated as tradition on November 1st each year. It was after Spain had conquered Mexico, that the Catholic church made alterations to indigenous celebrations including their rituals of remembrance; having noted that their celebrations coincided with All Saints Day (or All Hallows Day) that Dia de los Muertos became traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd.
November 1st being the day of remembrance for Children.
November 2nd being the day of remembrance for Adults.
The church also maintained the concept of Ofrendas or Alters that were originally used by indigenous people as supplies left within gravesites that could be used by the dead on their journey. The Catholic Church repurposed this concept to signify a place of intercession for lost souls in purgatory to find their way toward heaven where they could rest eternally.
Modern Interpretations
Today, Dia de los Muertos has become synonymous with Mexican culture, and is celebrated across the globe in a variety of ways. While many places in Mexico continue to honor their loved ones with traditional alters and offends. Other countries and cultures have used this observance to celebrate a wide birth of Mexican culture and Heritage with impressive displays of art and culture.
Global Day of the Dead Celebrations
Photo of the Parque Juarez in San Miguel de Allende
Day of the Dead Celebrations in Mexico:
There is no better place than Mexico to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, as a holiday directly pulled from our history, we have many cultural celebrations that you may want to visit. Here are some of the top celebrations that we would recommend exploring:
In Mexico City: explore the Mega Ofrendas and Floral Arrangements in the Centro Historico presented by the office of the Secretary of tourism and Culture during the 2nd annual festival of Ofrendas and Floral Arrangements while preparing for the Dia de los Muertos Parade that happens each year on October 31st to culminate the International Book Fair of the Capital Square.
In San Miguel de Allende: enjoy a stunning display in a historic city through the Calaca Festival that centers around parade, spectacle, and culture in one of Mexicos most beautiful world heritage sites. The celebration includes various art installations, dances/public processions, and unique events put on by local businesses.
Day of the Dead Celebrations in the U.S.A:
As neighbor to the North, the United States is home to a large population of Mexican people, spurring a large number of traditions and festivals that take place across the U.S.A. We’ve selected three can’t miss opportunities to truly experience Dia de los Muertos in USA Style:
East Coast - The Return of Mexico Week: Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at Rockefeller Center through the return of Mexico Week: in partnership with Tequila Casa Dragones, INTERproteccion, the Visit Mexico organization, and the State of Oaxaca. The week will be lined with impressive displays of Alebrijes, music, and culture taking place from October 22nd to November 2nd.
Central USA - Chicago is full of Mexican culture and experiences. In celebration of Dia de los Muertos, visit an Iconic Mexican Neighborhood for the Annual Halloween/Dia de los Muertos Festival alongside Chicago’s VillaArte Little Village Art Fest and Alter Walk. For a unique tasting experience, book your table at Tzuco for their Dia de los Muertos unique menu experience.
West Coast - Visit San Antonio for one of the largest free festivals in celebration of Dia de los Muertos. The 9th Annual MuertosFest will take place in Hemisfair park in San Antonio and feature art, food, activities, and culture for any family to enjoy. A great place for children of all ages created in conjunction with the Mexican Cultural Institute of San Antonio and UNAM San Antonio.
Day of the Dead Celebrations Overseas:
While Mexico resides in the Northern Hemisphere, across the ocean many countries join us in celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Even in the U.K. at the British Library, one can experience their Dia de los Muertos: A Celebration of life event. The event will contain a gala reception, short films for children, poetry, art, and author readings.
Among all these options, there are many enticing opportunities to immerse yourself in a celebration of Mexican history. Yet, beyond the festivities, it is important to remember the true meaning of Dia de los Muertos from the perspective of cultural heritage: the remembrance of stories.
Do stories still matter?
The true meaning behind Dia de los Muertos
Final Notes:
Why does this matter? Dia de los Muertos is first and foremost about stories. The history that has been passed down from generation to generation and the family histories that we personally remember across the families of Mexico. This celebration for us represents a moment to come together with family to exchange stories and memories that we have of our never forgotten family members.
This day brings together a complex cultural history but also the importance of long standing memory. We believe that in the wake of digital marketing, globalism, event development, and changes that have happened throughout the years it is more important than ever to hold fast to the original essence of Dia de los Muertos: Honoring your history.
We hope to build a community of individuals that combine the essence of luxury, history, and style in the same ways that Dia de los Muertos has modernized into a conglomerate of the same, in sharing this post with you we want to highlight the rich culture of Mexico alongside the values that make us who we are. We believe our story and your story deserve to be honored, that our individual legacies should be passed down through both our physical and oral artifacts: the stories and the things that define us when sitting on our ofrendas.
Our family ofrendas come decorated with Workmans tools, art, and writing that our family members have produced over the years, their stories have inspired us, and move us forward with memories and legacies to protect. We are compelled to continue moving forward while honoring this legacy, and encourage you to decide alongside us that stories still matter.
Thank you/Gracias