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Dia de los Muertos: The Day Mexico's Living Celebrate the Dead

By Jim Labelle

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 26Oct2010
Word count: 608
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One of the most enchanting times to visit Mexico is during the vibrant celebration of the dead, called Dia de los Muertos. Officially the celebrations start on October 31st and ends on November 2nd. The rituals of this celebration hark back to pre-Columbian times. For the people of Latin America, this is a time of celebration, of honoring the ancestors. The celebration reflects a cultural belief in the afterlife, in the importance of honoring the past, and in celebrating life. A trip to Mexico for this weekend will not only allow you to enjoy fiestas all weekend long, but will also put you up close and personal with an ancient and still vibrant ritual where the living celebrate the dead.

While the official start of the Day of the Dead celebration begins on October 1st, the eve of All Saints Day, the preparations begin weeks ahead of time. During a trip to a local Mexican market during this time, you will encounter vendors selling all sorts of special items especially for Dia de los Muertos. The most fragrant marigold, which is called zempoalxochitl, the "flower of the dead" is one of the most vibrant signs that Dia de los Muertos is approaching. The belief is that the smell of this flower is attractive to the dead. Families will use these to decorate alters and also to line the path from the road through the front door and to the alter so that the spirits of the dead won't get lost as they return to their ancestral homes on this day.

In each home, the family alter will be built up in preparation for the big day. In addition to flowers, candles and incense will be bought. Offerings of food and sweet beverages will be laid out for the dead to enjoy. Special breads, called pan de muertos or 'bread of the dead" is made. This sweet bread is in the shape of a human with arms and legs and special little facemasks are made to place on the head. November 1st is All Saints Day and the day when the spirits of children are believed to return to the alter. On November 2nd it is the adult spirits that return when offerings of alcohol may be included on the altars.

Each town has unique celebrations and ceremonies that occur during this time. Events range from parades, to dances to all night fiestas. However, on November 2nd everyone goes to the cemetery to honor the dead by cleaning and decorating their final resting places. This is an event for the whole family, children and adults alike. Family members arrive with brooms, water, sponges, candles, incense and of course, flowers. Bright colored streamers and flags are strung above the graveyard. The air is full of sounds of laughter and happiness, and relatives relate favorite stories of the dead and turn the graveyard into a place of celebration.

There are many places to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico. Ensenada, Rosarito, Tijuana, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Peñasco are all within a short drive from the border and make excellent places to enjoy Dia de los Muertos in Mexico. If you are going to Baja or northern Sonora, you will not need to get vehicle permits for your car. Simply buy your Mexican auto insurance policy online before you go. You can buy a policy just for the weekend. Show your papers, along with your vehicle registration, to the officer at the border for a hassle free crossing. Start planning now because Dia de los Muertos is a quick weekend vacation to Mexico that you won't want to miss!

Written by: http://www.Mexpro.com For a free, no obligation coverage analysis and quotation, with the option to purchase and print your policy online, please visit http://www.mexpro.com .

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