By Arabella Serrata
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an annual holiday spanning several days in early November. During these precious few days, loved ones, dead and alive, reunite for family and remembrance.
According to DayoftheDead.holiday, dedicated to education on the holiday, it is split between two primary days, one celebrating children and the other adults. Both days are celebrated similarly. People bring offerings to the deceased loved one. Both have an altar, or ofrenda, made in their honor. The children’s altars typically feature their favorite toys, snacks and sweets. The adult altars feature more mature tastes, like liquor, but their offerings can span anything they love.
According to the website, the event came after traditional Aztec culture was mixed with Catholic influence when the Spaniards came to Mexico. It is a catholic take on the festival that honors Mictecacihuatl, Goddess of the Dead. The church took the festival, and it became All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day.
Day of the Dead features beautiful spectacles of color and life, and skull imagery is abundant. The skull face paint is inspired by the figure “La Catrina.” Jose Guadalupe Posada first illustrated Catrina. According to his art foundation website, the character came to him long after he had been illustrating Calavera imagery for some time. She is depicted wearing a hat with flowers and feathers. Now, she has become an icon of the holiday. For more information on La Catrina and her full history, read about her on DayoftheDead.holiday.
Food is also a critical part of the holiday. Pan de Muertos is synonymous with the holiday, it is sweet bread with the top decorated to look like skeleton fingers. Sugar skulls are exactly what they sound like, and are typically decorated with elaborate garnishes. Tamales, mole, sopa azteca and traditional Mexican food are popular during this time. Many of these dishes have family recipes that are passed down, but more standardized recipes can be found on the aforementioned site.
Currently, there are a few Day of the Dead celebrations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Gladys Porter Zoo has a “play day” themed to the holiday. It will take place on Sunday, Nov. 3, a perfect time to enjoy the traditional celebration and do something more contemporary.
The University of Texas at the Rio Grande Valley [UTRGV] is holding an event for the holiday on Nov. 2 from 6-9 p.m. The event will offer free goodies for the first 250 students and is sponsored by the UTRGV Student Union and the Department of Housing and Residence Life.
South Padre Island will have a Day of the Dead themed 50k and 10k “Muzicians Run” on Nov. 2. Those who register can participate in the run and receive life performances, food, drink, medals for completion and much more. Registration is available on muziciansrun.com.
Of course, celebrations often occur at home. Pictures, flowers, and candles can be added to altars. More specific items can be added to make the altar more personal. People often visit the graves of loved ones, add holiday garnishes to the site and set the altars next to their deathbeds.
Day of the Dead is on Nov. 1-2.
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