![]() The preparation method is strongly symbolic, as it resembles the process of burial. ![]() It is commonly filled with chicken or pork and contains spices. ![]() This traditional Mayan dish resembles a tamal, but is much larger in size, and is cooked inside a special oven that lays underground. ![]() In the Yucatan peninsula, the main course is pib, also known as mucbilpollo. Other dishes are specific to different regions. The bone decorations at the top of the bread are placed in the shape of a cross and are meant to symbolize the four paths of the universe in Pre-Columbian mythology. The food served will often vary by region, but favorites include Mexican staples such as Tamales, maize dumplings wrapped in corn or palm leaves, and atole, a sweet maize-based beverage.Īnother dish which is popular across the country is the traditional Pan de Muertos, a sweet bread that is baked to resemble a pile of bones. In Day of the Dead, as in many Mexican celebrations, food plays an important role, as meals shared with family, both at home and in the cemetery are an important tradition. Brass bands, Mariachis, and other traditional Mexican musicians will line the cemeteries playing songs for both the living and the dead, and visitors will often request songs beloved by their departed in exchange for some money. In many cases, celebrations go all day and all night, with music and dancing. Often, stories and anecdotes about loved ones will be shared as families gather to eat. It is also not uncommon for families to share a holiday meal and drinks at the cemetery beside the graves of the deceased. In the town of Patzcuaro, Michoacán, for instance, people will arrive at the cemetery on decorated boats with candles to light the way. Prayers are recited upon arriving at the graves, and are often preceded by candlelit processions. The visits take place on November 1st, for those who passed away as children, and on November 2nd, for those who died as adults. In the case of children, toys and sweets will be brought to their graves. Then, on the holiday, people bring offerings of food and drink to honor their loved ones, as well as precious objects belonging to them. They decorate the graves with marigolds and candles, often placing Ofrendas right next to them. Beforehand, family members clean the graves of their deceased. It is customary for many to visit the graves of loved ones during the holiday and to celebrate Day of the Dead in the cemetery. In other cases, they take on the form of public memorials, such as the 2017 ofrendas in the Mexico City Zocalo which were designed to honor the victims of the September 19th Earthquake. Squares, parks, and university campuses will often be covered in different large-scale, highly decorated altars, which are usually dedicated to artists, writers, and historical figures important in Mexican culture. Ofrendas in public places are also a common sight during the holiday season. Photographs and precious objects belonging to the deceased are also placed on the Ofrenda, as well as foods the person enjoyed in life. On top of the altar, it is customary to place other elements as well, such as sugar skulls, crosses, candles to guide the soul, and water to quench its thirst. These flowers are often placed as arches, which symbolize the gate between the world of the living and the afterlife. Traditional Mexican oilcloths are commonly used to drape the surface of the Ofrenda.Ĭopal, a special Mexican incense, and spices are placed on the Ofrenda to symbolize the purification of the soul, as well as strong-flavored flowers such as marigolds, which are believed to attract the souls of the dead. The papel picado used for the holiday will feature specific images and motifs associated with Day of the Dead, such as sugar skulls and dancing skeletons. It is decorated with purple and orange, the traditional colors of the holiday, and often adorned with papel picado, a popular Mexican paper craft that is made up of ornate cut-outs. There can be two levels, representing heaven and Earth, three levels, representing heaven, Earth, and the underworld, or seven levels, representing the seven stages souls have to cross to reach eternal rest. The traditional Ofrenda is divided into various levels to represent the various stages of life and death. This tradition can be traced back to the Aztecs, who would place offerings for the dead, including food and flowers, on tree stumps on their days of remembrance. The centerpiece will be the Ofrenda, or Altar de Muertos, a display meant to commemorate the lives of loved ones. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, Mexican families will begin to decorate their homes for the holiday.
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