Dia de los Muertos Briefly Live with the Dead

Posted by webisimo on September 19th, 2014

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a national holiday in Latin American countries. However, you can never see the fervor you would be able to witness in Mexico. The day is a great celebration for them, a time when loved ones come back to visit their families. At least for a few brief moments, everyone is allowed to be with their deceased ancestors. Quite naturally, it is always said, on November 1^st and 2^nd, Mexicans live with the dead.

Do the following if you want to be a part of it; if you wish to be with your deceased ancestors, enjoying with them for some time.

1. 1.       Prepare an altar

Decorate it with the foods and drinks your loved ones liked most. You should also put a framed photo of the one you are remembering. And, do not forget to add the deceased’s favorite flowers and trinkets to it. Light a candle and tell stories about your ancestors; remember their achievements and the fond moments you spent with them. Some even choose to pray at this altar. They place a cross and a statue of the Blessed Mary along with it.

1. 2.       Have fun

Write small epigraphs making fun of your friend’s strange habits. You can even have a good laugh remembering the moments they appeared embarrassed.

1. 3.       Visit the graves

Visit the cemeteries where your loved ones are buried and clean up the area. You can decorate the grave with flowers like orange marigold, also known as the flower of the dead. Bring toys and candies for dead children. For adults, you may bring some kind of an alcoholic beverage and other food items they enjoyed. When leaving home, do not forget to place beds and mattresses; the deceased can have the rest they deserve at the end of a long journey.

1. 4.       Prepare good food and leave at home

People in Mexico believed that the spirits of the deceased would come and eat the essence of the food items you have prepared. You can have the remainders at the end of the celebration. Pumpkins filled with candies, the bread of the dead (Pan de muerto) and Mexican sugar skull are few of the things you have to prepare for the occasion.

1. 5.       Enjoy a sumptuous dinner

Know that this is the day to celebrate. Prepare a grand feast both for your family and for the deceased. Have the time of your life; dance, share stories and celebrate as much as you can!

Dia de los muertos celebration has become a commercial activity at present. For the nation, it is the high season, when tourists flock to the region. The day is more a holiday rather than a holy day.

There may be differences based on the region. However, one thing always remains common. Dia de los Muertos is an occasion where the distinction between life and death becomes unrecognizable. The customs have started having its place even in the United States. Instead of the image of Halloween where death fills one with terror, Dia de los Muertos demonstrates hope and love. Visit the art centers in your area; you may be able to get a glimpse of the celebrations!

Just one visit to any of these places would make you feel; death is not something to be feared.

2014 The Day of The Dead event will be organized at Old Mission San Luis Rey at Oceanside, CA at October 26 from 10 am to 05 am. For more info about event, car show, vendors and altar builders and Catrina contest visit Dia De Los Muertos Website.