Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated in Mexico, other countries in Latin America, some places in the US with large Hispanic populations, some countries in Europe, and the Philippines. Based on the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, “Day of the Dead” generally is a day of remembrance of loved ones who have died, commemorated with visits to the cemetery. Families often light candles at the graves and leave offerings of flowers (especially marigolds, “cempasúchiles“), or for children, sweets and toys. Many people also make an altar in their home, dedicated to their loved ones who have passed away.
Photo: Taken by Tomascastelazo, Creative Commons use.
The weeks leading up to Day of the Dead, shops and markets in Mexico are filled with skeletons (calacas)- dressed up and doing everyday things. They are decorated, whimsical, and funny, and often assume every day activities: playing guitars, working as a carpenter, going fishing, or getting married. They might be made of paper maché, wood, chocolate or sugar. In some parts of Mexico, there is a procession through the town of older teens carrying a coffin with someone dressed as a skeleton. People toss in coins, mandarin oranges, or candy into the coffin. Continue reading →
This weekend we visited MECA in Houston (Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts) for their annual Día de los Muertos exhibit and celebration. Here is a slideshow of what we saw. Look for:
