Long long ago back in Australia we did some research to find the best place to celebrate Dia de los muertos, or Day of the Dead. Oaxaca was the name that constantly came up so that's where we went.
Day of the Dead is a tradition that stems from pre-Hispanic times. It's a time to celebrate and remember your loved ones who have passed away. The story goes that during this time the spirits come back to our world for a visit, children on 1st November and adults on 2nd November. Families make altars in their homes decorated with photos, flowers, candy and the deceased favourtie food and drink (because they'll be hungry after such a long journey). Families also decorate the graves of their loved ones and hang out in the cemetery together all night waiting for the spirits.Hanging around in a graveyard all night doesn't sound that fun but there's food, music, mezcal and family bonding. It really does feel like a celebration.
The main days for celebration are between the 31st October and 2nd November but in a lot of places preparation and celebration starts days before. Almost every night we were in Oaxaca there were street parades where a band would play, walking and and down the streets, and a horde of people in costumes would dance and follow them around. There would be 2 or 3 of these happening. Random people would be throwing lollies into the streets. People dressed up their dogs. Delicious food stands were everywhere and heaps of decorations.
Ever since I discovered Day of the Dead existed I've wanted to go and I'm happy to report it was not a disappointment, not at all.*
Sorry in advance for the quality of photos, night time photos are hard with a point and shoot.
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| People are always getting their photo taken with the people in the best costumes. There was the best costumes I've ever seen here. |
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| Street Party |
Some of the Decorations:
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| Altars representing the different areas of the state of Oaxaca |
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| Decorated grave |
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| A more elaborate altar |
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| Chocolate de leche con pan de yama (Hot Chocolate with bread made from egg yolk - the little head represents the soul. This is also part of the traditions. You have to dip the bread in your hot chocolate because it's so stale) |
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| Candy Skull |
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| Sand Art |
*Ok, the one disappointment I had was that the Candy Skull I bought to eat didn't taste good. But that's it.
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