![]() You can learn more about the traditions of Day of the Dead, including the altars and Catrinas on our article about Celebrating Life on Day of the Dead in Mexico Learn more about Day of the Dead in Mexico In some provincial towns and villages, local families traditionally open their homes’ altars on the 1st and 2nd of November so a visit to a local cemetery and a wander around local neighborhoods may provide you with an opportunity to share and experience Day of the Dead traditions at a very local and personal level. The ofrendas may be witnessed at local cemeteries, and in public parks and plazas. Incense burners may also be found on some ofrendas, alongside the candles. The importance of candlelightĬandlelight is an important atmospheric aspect of each ofrenda, and the markets are replete with options, often presented in colorful pots and jars, or with edges of the wax candle painted and decorated in harmony with Day of the Dead themes. Most altars will include some form of confectionery, typically caramelized pumpkin and an assortment of sugar skulls which are creatively decorated and painted and sold in a range of different sizes. The altar tables are usually draped and adorned with colorful paper or cloth, some with cut-outs known as papel picado and formed into a variety of patterns which echo the traditions -C atrinas, skulls, crosses, and flowers are most common- and some even depict pumpkins. If you’re visiting Mexico in the days leading up the event, be sure to visit at least one local market to experience the atmosphere and witness the traditions which accompany the creation of family altars, and where you’ll see local people busily seeking out the indispensable pieces they need to compose their own unique and very personal ofrenda: a symbol of remembrance and a celebration of lives lived. In the two weeks or so leading-up to Day of the Dead, local markets across Mexico begin to fill-up with colorful stalls selling all the items traditionally needed to fully dress a family ofrenda. Small clay pots containing samples of foods like corn, spices, chiles, and confectionery are common as are clay cups or mugs containing the deceased’s favorite beverages-which could include sodas, chocolate, coffee, tea, atole as well as tequila, pulque, or mezcal, etc.Įvery altar will include Mexican orange marigold flowers called cempaxochitl -colloquially referred to as flor de muerto- as well as Pan de Muerto, bread of the dead. ![]() For adults, it’s traditional to leave samples of the food and drink they especially enjoyed (or the ingredients which make them). In remembrance of deceased children, toy and game sets, cuddly toys, as well as candy and snacks they enjoyed may be placed here. Special care is given to the composition of this layer by those creating the ofrendas, giving due consideration to the important things their loved ones most enjoyed during the course of their lifetime. The second tier of the altar is the most personal, furnished with a thoughtful selection of ofrendas for the remembered deceased.
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