Day of the Dead-November 2
El Dia de los Muertos, in Spanish, is a celebration of life and death.
Celebrations:
In Mexico, Day of the Dead is an unofficial, but widely observed holiday. It has been celebrated across all of Mexico since the 1960’s, when the Mexican government made it an educational day. In 2008, UNESCO- United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization recognized the cultural holiday and designated it in the list of Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. UNESCO made it a holiday for all to observe how this culture celebrates the dead. Day of the Dead occurs every year over two days (Sometimes 10/31 and 11/1, but mostly 11/1 and 11/2 and celebrations abound. All the celebrations are about revering the dead and honoring your ancestors. There are parades and parties. Festivities are filled with colors, singing and dancing. Plenty of people pay homage or pay their respects to their dead relatives with offerings. The celebrations last overnight.
Customs:
It is customary to gather at the gravesite of your loved ones. If unable to visit the gravesite, many build altars at home. They bring favorite foods of the loved ones to the gravesite or the altar. Remembering loved ones and lost family and friends is particularly important. On the Day of the Dead, many feel their ancestors and loved ones surround them in love. Sometimes people ring bells, or the town bell rings every 30 seconds inviting everyone to participate in the celebration. Paper is hung everywhere: “Papel picado” translates to pierced paper and hangs around the house and gravesites signifying the wind. It is also customary to hold a grand parade in the town. Dancers come out and the energy soars. Flowers and candles are everywhere.
Creations:
There is an explosion of color as people don costumes and decorate their person to look like a skeleton, called a Catrina. Sometimes people create drawings for the deceased. There are also short poems written for lost loved ones and friends, called calaveras, which translates to skull. Day of the Dead is filled with creations as people create altars to honor friends and family. Oftentimes, favorite food dishes of the deceased are placed at the altars. Many times, there is merriment and feasting as well.
Often in holiday celebrations, food is a central theme. There is no difference here. Food and feasting are key and central to the celebrations of The Day of the Dead.
If you find yourself in need of some favorite food today, please look at our catering menu. We can supply food to exceptionally large groups and provide takeout for individual orders. We are hereto meet your needs during holidays and celebrations.
Garibaldi's Blog









