Day of the Dead – El Dia de Los Muertos, Mexico

So it’s not just Halloween which is drawing to a close but also Mexican custom of El Dia de Los Muertos or the Day of the Dead that has gotten many thrilled! This two day celebration amongst the Hispanic populations is held in honor of the lives of the deceased and the loved ones who have left this world. While drawing few similarities from the American tradition of Halloween when it comes to the festivities of this day, El Dia de Los Muertos is quite distinct considering it’s celebrated with much zeal and fervor for the departed souls.

So while you will find an indulgent celebration and festivities in Mexico, the Day of the Dead is also celebrated with the same enthusiasm and excitement amongst the Hispanic populations of the United States. So if you’re looking to explore how different cultures celebrate the concept of death, this is your chance. Live a little and experience how the Mexicans celebrate life and death by being a part of this exciting two day festival!

About El Dia de Los Muertos

El Dia de Los Muertos or the Day of the Dead is celebrated on the belief that the departed souls of the loved ones return each year to be a part of their families and loved ones. As such, the deceased are welcomed through the commencement of endless festivities that are known to light up Mexico and bring this beautiful country to life. November 1^st is celebrated for all the infants and the children who have passed away and November 2^ndcelebrated in honor of the deceased adults.

The Festivities of El Dia de Los Muertos or the Day of the Dead

The festivities which this festival brings includes a lot of Mexican delights and people dancing while donning wooden skull masks called calacas in the honor of welcoming their loved ones. A sight and festival that truly shines a new meaning to death and encourages happiness and festivities to the attached to what usually is perceived to be a sorrow notion. But that’s not all.

Altars are decorated with love and care in honor of welcoming the spirits of the loved ones. Special sweets are made to further add to these exotic celebrations. This includes sweets and candies shaped like bones, skulls and not to mention an indulgent rich coffee cake decorated with meringues shaped like bones.

One of the other wide practised rituals of the Day of the Dead also includes visiting the cemeteries and decorating the graves of the loved ones with flowers and sweets.

So if you’re thinking of indulging in these festivities this year, make sure you head out to two of the most happening places that celebrate the “Day of the Dead” with much enthusiasm and passion. These include Mixquic, a small town in Mexico City, and in Janitzio, an island in the state of Michoacan.