In Mexico November 1st is traditionally referred to as Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels) it is the day to honour infants and children who have died. The common belief is that all children are innocent and ascend into heaven at death to become angels.
Apparently Day of the Dead is steeped in celebrations which go all the way back to the month-long Aztec celebration which honoured the gods of the underworld, Mictlantecuhtli and Mictlancíhuatl.
In the 16th century, the Spanish invaders attempted to force Catholicism onto the native people to basically eradicate the religions of the indigenous people.
They were mostly successful, (include coercion, torture and murder).- (Much Like the christian church in wild, ancient Britain who, in an effort to subdue pagan worship hijacked the celebration of Saturnalia and the Winter Solstice and decided (as there is no evidence to the actual birthdate of the child god being in the mid winter) that christmas would become the new festival of choice.) - and the indigenous festival of the dead moved from August to the beginnings of November to coincide with the Catholic All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
The evening warm, the sunsetting, the streets quiet. The calm before the storm, time to stroll soak up the atmosphere.
One may wonder. Has the spirt and meaning of Los Dias de la Muerte been lost to commercialism? I would argue that it reinforces the pagan beliefs of the indigenous people. Long may it continue.
Luminous e number and sugar overload candy floss anyone?
For most folk, building ofrendas for their deceased loved ones is the focal point of the Day of the Dead celebrations, for friends and families who will decorate them with offerings for their loved ones.
Typical including photographs of the deceased. It’s not unusual to see the dead’s favourite beer, food or cigarettes on the altars
The altars can be found in family homes, cemeteries, and even in public spaces.
It is said that the candles on these altars will help the spirits find their way back to the land of the living for Day of the Dead.
AND...When darkness falls it's off to the graveyard for a big party.
Families bring a huge platters of food and drink to enjoy whilst they gather grave of their departed; songs and music are enjoyed as well as talking to their ancestors. Parents might bring along a new born baby to introduce it to a grandparent who died before the child was born. tequila flows freely.
Marigolds the flower of the dead, - flor de muerto - are everywhere during the festivities, always found on the ofrendas. It’s thought that these flowers will help bring the souls of deceased loved ones back to the land of the living.
The skeleton figures known as Calacas either go commando or more usually dressed in human clothing. Being a naturist to me bare bones is best.
The figures are often brightly painted, happy, dancing, playing an instrument or just generally posed in amusing positions.
It is believed that their joy indicates that life after death is a happy one.
Party Time
There were 17 of us on this trip across Central America, a mix of ages, men, women, singles and couples. All strangers to each other.
Tonight sorted the wheat from the chaff, only eight of us ventured out onto the streets, the remaining nine fucked off back to the hotel to probably drink ovaltine and dunk digestive biscuits. SAD. ( and this included two horrid sickly 20 year old boys, amongst the wet lettuce types who shouldn't venture beyond their own back garden).
I fucking hate boring people.
Catrinas are Dia de Muertos’ most iconic sight. Also known as Mexico’s Grand Dame of Death, the image has become symbolic of the whole Day of the Dead festival.
Papel picado are the thin, papery flags strung across streets and in houses.
They have become the traditional flag of the Day of the Dead celebrations
It was fantastic to mingle with the locals, soak up the sights, the sounds the scent of life.
Two of our lot managed to get their pockets picked.
Our little stroll amongst the crowds brought us back here, like we knew it would.........Time to imbibe
No beer, just a colourless liquid. You do not need further explanation.
Margaritas with tequila shots, certainly hit the spot, smooth as silk. Just leave the bottles (yes we managed more than one between us) on the bar we will help ourselves.
Eventually strolling stumbling back out onto the streets at stupid o'clock, only to find kindred spirits. Party on dudes.
Too much Tequilla?
I don't know; and to be quite honest, I didn't care.
One Life: Live it
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