Thursday, November 1, 2012

A Deadly Celebration

Tomorrow is the celebration dedicated to the dead but nowhere it is more colorful than it is in Mexico. When I was studying years ago {not this last time... ha!} I went to there on a student excahnge program and loved the traditions that revolved around this celebration.


I didn't get my face painted but participated in the many festivities involved with it. The one that left a deeper impresion on me was making an altar in the name of a person or those who have died. Usually they get built a month in advance and include photos and belongings of the departed as well as relgious images, flowers, candles and little skeleton figurines {called calacas and catrinas}.


The celebrations start on October 31 {Halloween for most of us} and extend all the way to November 2. People traditionally go to the cemeteries where their loved ones rest and decorate their tombs with candles, bring offerings and spread cempasúcil {or marigolds if you prefer} because they are believed to attract to souls of the deceased.


The traditions are colorful and ironically, full of life. There is a different approach to death and what it means and this is something that has been part of Mexican culture since before the colonization. Experiencing a tradition like this is one of the best ways to get to know a rich culture like this one. If there is a Mexican colony around you, go and check out what they´re doing the between today and Friday.

Have a great day!
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23 comments:

  1. HannahNovember 1, 2012 at 3:12 AM

    Going to Mexico at this time is one of my great life ambitions! Sadly, I don't think there is a Mexican area around me in rural England (ha!), so I have to live vicariously through photos like these!

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  2. tinajoNovember 1, 2012 at 4:56 AM

    Very cool and a little bit freaky pics, I love them!

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  3. FASHION TALESNovember 1, 2012 at 5:03 AM

    Great post. I used to always go celebrate with my friends, because the celebrations went on in the middle of our neighbourhood. I love the photos!

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  4. The Dainty Dolls HouseNovember 1, 2012 at 6:00 AM

    I love Day of the Dead, it's a marvellous tradition, I actually prefer it to Halloween. Wonderful :) x

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  5. roothNovember 1, 2012 at 9:26 AM

    A lot of cultures celebrate a 'day of the dead' of sorts, which revolves around celebrating and being respectful of one's ancestors. I wonder why we don't do it more in the states

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  6. awhiteNovember 1, 2012 at 12:01 PM

    What an interesting celebration! Love the photos. :)

    Hope you had a happy Halloween!

    -Ashley
    http://lerougestylo.blog.com

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  7. A Crimson KissNovember 1, 2012 at 2:06 PM

    Such a beautiful holiday–I wish we really celebrated it in the States!

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  8. Tiffany KadaniNovember 1, 2012 at 2:49 PM

    So beautiful! Wow! I love seeing all my Mexican friends' photos. The skill is amazing.

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  9. GloriaNovember 1, 2012 at 3:26 PM

    What an amazing tradition! There was a bakery in NYC that always had beautiful sugar skulls displayed in the window - I could never resist sneaking a peek while in the area :-)

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  10. Chicago Chic November 1, 2012 at 4:21 PM

    Such incredible imagery! I bet it would be quite an experience to be in Mexico for this!

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  11. Laura DarlingNovember 1, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    I remember learning about their celebrations in high school. Fascinating!

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  12. JessicaNovember 1, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Beautiful pictures. I love all of the color.

    Stop by our blog tomorrow and join in our Christmas Card exchange.

    Also enter our giveaway for Crystal Stud Earrings if you haven't already.

    Jessica @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

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  13. little luxury listNovember 1, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    I'd love to go to Mexico and visit during this time. It is such a day of history and remembrance!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  14. SimoneNovember 1, 2012 at 10:58 PM

    It's interesting that they use marigolds... I wonder why that is
    thecloudgalaxy.blogspot.com

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  15. MOSAMUSENovember 1, 2012 at 11:56 PM

    this actually looks so scary!!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

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  16. trishieNovember 2, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    This is all new to me! Love that it is so colourful and full of life.

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  17. EricaNovember 2, 2012 at 12:36 PM

    I love traditions like this. Such a wonderful way to honor the dead.

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  18. Tina / lifeinsketch.comNovember 2, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    Wow, the face painting looks great - so intricate! We didn't get to celebrate much this year (live in NY) but next year I'm doing a face painting party!
    xTina

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  19. Jayme @ Her Late Night CravingsNovember 3, 2012 at 11:09 AM

    Great post! Love seeing these photos and learning a little more!

    Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  20. Popcorn, Pugs & PeoniesNovember 4, 2012 at 1:25 AM

    Very interesting. I didn't know much about the celebration until now. It is a lovely way to honor those that have passed before us.

    *Erin

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  21. jNovember 4, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    I love that this holiday turns something that is normally not celebrated into a celebration.

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  22. AnonymousNovember 4, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    Wow, this looks amazing!

    Elly @ Caribbean Living

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  23. hope in high heelsNovember 18, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    that face painting is incredible... so intricate and colourful. What an amazing way to celebrate those that are no longer here.

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