Traditions are a source of identity. They are the only living proof of the past and our most significant legacy, transmitted to us to help us answer one of the most daunting questions in life: where do we belong? That’s why learning our traditions and keeping them alive is so important. It’s a way of telling ourselves and all future generations, “Hey! That’s where you come from, this is your family, and you’re not alone”.

When we think of traditions and festivities, Mexico is undoubtedly the country that first comes to mind, with all its bright colors and passionate music.

Día de Los Muertos, which takes place on November 1st and 2nd, is a celebration of memory and a ritual that privileges recollection over oblivion. During this holiday, families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives, who temporarily return to the world of the living to spend time with their loved ones and nourish themselves with the offers placed for them in the altars.

In this celebration, death does not represent an absence but a living presence, becoming a symbol of life itself.

But to better understand the meaning of the “Day of the Dead,” it is necessary to know the different customs, rites, and symbols that characterize it.

Skulls.

In Spanish “Calaveras”. From skull-shaped sweets (usually made of sugar, chocolate, gummy, or amaranth) to literary ones (the “Calaveras Literarias,” humorously written rhymes dedicated to people who are still alive), skulls are the most representative symbols of Día de Los Muertos.
During this celebration, decorative skulls are placed on the altars, honoring the dead. People take inspiration from this symbol to create colorful make-up on their faces, becoming a “living” representation of death.

Offerings.

In Spanish, “Ofrendas”. Dating back to the pre-Hispanic era, the placement of offerings as a mortuary ritual is one of the oldest customs of the Day of the Dead. The ofrendas and altars are placed in honor of the deceased to guide their souls back to the world of the living every Day of the Dead.
Offerings can be of all different kinds and sizes. Still, particular objects can’t be missed: Cempasúchil flowers, photos or portraits of the people remembered, crucifixes, traditional foods, and colorful paper decorations.

Gastronomy.

As in other holidays and celebrations, food is the part that most people are looking forward to. If you’ve ever been around during Día de los Muertos, you will probably remember the “Pan de Muerto” (a typical sweet bread prepared with anise, orange, cinnamon and sugar), the “Calabaza en tacha” (another sweet prepared with pumpkin, guava and cinnamon, usually placed in the altars), and the delicious “Mole”, with the Oaxacan recipe being the most traditional one during this holiday.

Día de Muertos coincides with the beginning of the High Season in Tulum, and November is one of the best months to travel to Riviera Maya. Visiting during this period, you’ll be lucky enough to get a taste of this millenary tradition, that makes us rethink the meaning of death and honour our ancestors, who’s presence is still with us.

(1) https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead
(2) https://www.gob.mx/inafed/articulos/dia-de-muertos-tradicion-mexicana-que-trasciende-en-el-tiempo
(3) https://saberespoder.com/articles/education/como-se-celebra-el-dia-de-los-muertos

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