Why is dia de los muertos celebrated in mexico

For the south and rural areas the period holds far greater social and cultural significance than in the north and large cities; families and communities in rural areas will often spend large parts of the year preparing for the occasion. As the anthropologist Claudio Lomnitz correctly points out, in many respects this "playful familiarity and proximity to death", is all the more unusual in contemporary Mexican culture because so much of Euro-American 20th century thought has been about denying death — preserving the life of the citizen at all costs.

The existence of this peculiarly Mexican attitude is born of three major themes in Mexican history. First is the Aztec heritage of the pre-Columbian concept of life and death as part of a broader cycle of existence, which fused with the Christian veneration of the deceased on All Souls' Day into a wholly unique concept of death.

Second, is the violent and tumultuous nature of Mexico's past; the brutality of the Spanish conquest where the indigenous population of central Mexico was decimated over the course of the 16th century; the humiliating subjugation at the hands of its North American neighbour; and the bloodbath of the Mexican revolution.

These upheavals made it impossible to ignore the commonplace reality of unnatural death in Mexico. Sure, the theme is death, but the point is to demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members. While the holiday originated in Mexico, it is celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras skulls and calacas skeletons.

Likewise, what do people do during Dia de los Muertos? Altars are usually decorated with flowers, candles, pan de muerto , ceramic skulls, and most importantly pictures of loved ones.

Food placed on the altar consists of the loved ones favorite dishes and treats. Drinks should be placed in the altar to quench the thirst of the dead after their long journey back home.

Day of the Dead survives, celebrates life It may change and evolve, but it never vanishes. The Spaniards learned that when they arrived in central Mexico in the 16th century. They viewed the ritual, which was started by the Aztecs some 3, years ago, as sacrilegious. But the festival couldn't be quashed. Mexicans view it not as a day of sadness but as a day of celebration because their loved ones awake and celebrate with them. Where is the Day of the Dead?

Which countries celebrate Day of the Dead? Here's a look at how ten different countries celebrate Day of the Dead. In Mexico, Day of the Dead falls on 2 November. When families do visit cemeteries , one of the first things they do after cleaning up is to place Day of the Dead flowers. Once the Spanish conquered the Aztec empire in the 16 th century, the Catholic Church moved indigenous celebrations and rituals honoring the dead throughout the year to the Catholic dates commemorating All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2.

The same happened on November 1 to honor children who had died. Many Christians visit cemeteries where their loved ones are buried.

Some cemeteries offer candles to be placed on these graves. During these celebrations some people wear masks, carry signs, or put up elaborate decorations to honor the dead. The first day celebrates infants and children who have died. The second day is in honor of adults who have passed away.

List of Partners vendors. By Suzanne Barbezat. Suzanne Barbezat. Suzanne Barbezat is a freelance writer specializing in Mexican travel, culture, and food. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines. New York University. Rutgers University. Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. She earned a. TripSavvy's fact-checking. Share Pin Email. Continue to 5 of 8 below. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know!