Seeing how people are memorialized gives a deeper glimpse into a particular culture. Touring a cemetery in Mexico during Dia de Muertos – Day of the Dead – reveals a beautiful tradition of remembering those who have passed, amid a celebration of life.
The belief is that the human spirit does not die. It travels between this world and the afterlife. It’s during Dia de Muertos when souls of the deceased are allowed to visit loved ones. Celebrations happen all over Mexico, with festivals and festivities happening for periods of up to a week. Holidays start in November, when its said that departed children reunite with loved ones on the 1st, and adults on the 2nd.
Remembering those who passed
Families gather together to remember loved ones who passed away. They plan and prepare seven-level altars that tell stories about lives lived and legacies left. The altars are vibrantly decorated with photos, flowers, candles, and favourite foods and drinks. There is sweet bread called ‘Pan do Muerto’ made especially for the occasion. Mementos that were meaningful are left out to welcome the spirits. Helping each person find it’s way home by connecting with the familiar.
Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant artistic city that pays special homage to the holiday with exhibitions, music, dancing, parades, and all kinds of parties. Locals and tourists alike get into the spirit by donning colourful costumes and painting their faces with fascinating designs that signify both life and death, sporting macabre features like dark eyes and stitched mouths juxtaposed with swirly flowery decorations.
Art and culture on full display
The heart and soul of public celebrations is in the Centro Historico district. The Dia de Muertos Artwalk adorns the galleries and shops in the square with row upon row of altars and ‘ofrendas’ (offerings). Here, you’ll find tributes to famous people and cultural icons among the shrines of so many who are unknown to the masses, but remembered by the community.
The famous Malecon boardwalk with stunning views of the Bay of Banderas comes even more alive with the dead, with larger-than-life skeleton statues, demonstrations, and the best people-watching around. Cobblestone streets everywhere are lined with streamers and flags floating on overhead wires that gently flap when the breeze blows. Or anytime a spirit passes by.
The cemeteries themselves are even more remarkable. Where the smell of incense wafts through the air. With endless displays of ofrendas, and countless candles casting an eerie yet comforting glow on the tombs and monuments. It’s here that families hold vigils. Coming together to spend time sharing stories and memories of those whose graves they visit.
It’s a beautiful tradition that I’m glad I got to experience first-hand. Because celebrating the dead definitely gave me a little more perspective on this thing called life.
