Hello, friends and lovers of Mexican gastronomy and culture! The Day of the Dead is one of the most beautiful and transcendental Mexican traditions, join me to discover more about it.
It is said that for pre-Hispanic cultures the veneration of death was one of the most important elements, for them death was a celebration. When a person died, he was buried and his family organized a celebration to guide him to the underworld "Mictlán", including the favorite dishes of the deceased in case he was hungry.
Nowadays, the celebration of the Day of the Dead is infused with customs carried over from the Spanish Conquest. This holiday does not represent the absence of life, but a celebration of the life of our loved ones in death.
This is the celebration of the temporary return of the souls of our departed loved ones, who return to the world of the living, to share with their families and eat them the delicious dishes made in their honor at the altars.
The Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1 and 2. Following the Catholic yearbook, November 1 is All Saints' Day, where we celebrate the "little souls" or children; and November 2 is All Souls' Day.
Every year millions of Mexican families place offerings to their deceased. These are decorated with shredded paper, cempasúchil flowers (African marigold), sugar skulls, pan de muerto, mole, dishes and cravings of family members and incense.
In addition, the festivities also include decorating the graves of relatives with beautiful flowers and making a small altar on top. Likewise, a path should be made with candles and cempasúchil flower petals so that the souls do not get lost.
Every state, every city and every family has different traditions... tell us in the comments, what are yours!!! And to celebrate this Day of the Dead don't forget to buy your loved ones' favorite Mexican products, as well as to check out our delicious pan de muertos recipe!!!