Walking Tour: Dia de los Muertos by Carmen Corona Mendez

Oaxaca, Mexico

carmencoronamende — 2023-11-02 16:56:43 UTC

Oaxaca, Mexico, is known for it's celebration of Dia de los Muertos and the colorful nature of the city on this day. It is seen as the center of this celebration in Mexico. There are places specifically known for the scenery on this day, like el Panteón General, plazas in the city, and streets themselves! Beyond places to celebrate, the food made during this time like nicuatole and tejate are also prevalent in the culture of this day. Oaxaca is known for all-night vigils where residents thank the heavens, the earth, and the four directions and give offerings like corn, bread, and tobacco. Upon visiting the city on Dia de Los Muertos, one can find the village alight with candles, marigolds, and papel picado, guiding loved ones that have passed away to their families for this special day.

Mexico City, Mexico

carmencoronamende — 2023-11-02 16:57:48 UTC

Mexico City, Mexico, is known for its grand and elaborate celebrations, where locals and tourists alike can experience the rich cultural traditions and festive atmosphere. During Día de los Muertos in Mexico City, the streets of Juárez come alive with vibrant altars, marigold decorations, and lively parades. Paseo de la Reforma and Eje 2 PTE are popular areas where you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and witness the beautiful traditions of this celebration. These places host multiple Dia de los Muertos parades. During Dia de los Muertos many people honor Day of the Dead by visiting the graves of dead relatives and loved ones. They clean the graves and headstones or decorate them with beautiful orange flowers named, cempasúchil. They even bring their favorite foods in the thought that their ancestors will come and enjoy the foods with them. The environment almost resembles a party, with music, food and drinks. Dia de Los Muertos celebrations in Mexico involve cooking the favorite foods of loved ones that have passed away. Tamales are often part of the Day of the Dead menu, as well as pan de muertos, pan dulce, mole, pozole, champurrado, and even chapulines (grasshoppers). Overall, this celebration is truly a special experience that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.

Michoacán, Mexico

carmencoronamende — 2023-11-02 16:59:52 UTC

Michoacan, Mexico, is known for its very beautiful set up for Dia de los Muertos. Many people have described Michoacan as the best places to celebrate this day. These celebrations are found in all parts of Michoacan. Some of the places where the altars can be found is in pueblos, city plazas, and cemeteries. In cemeteries, tombstones are decanted with Flor de Metros (Cempasuchil), Papel Picado, Pan de Muertos, candles, pictures, and all of the things that the deceased ones loved. Some of the popular foods that are made during this celebration are Tamales, Mole, Champurrado, etc... these foods are almost like a sign of love and respect for the souls/spirits coming to visit. The Panteones (cemeteries) are filled with love, laughter, emotions, and most importantly family. Tombstones are often surrounded by family members, friends, and important people that knew the deceased one. Being in cemeteries during this celebration come with a lot of emotions like melancholy and joy.

San Francisco, Davies Symphony Hall

emilyorellana1 — 2023-11-02 17:17:08 UTC

Join us for a celebration of Latin American music and culture including lobby installations by local artists. Conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya with vocalist Edna Vázquez and Casa Círculo Cultural, the dynamic concert program features traditional music with contemporary works honoring the rich heritage of this ancient holiday. The event is curated by longtime collaborator Martha Rodríguez-Salazar. This event is being held on November 4 at 2:00pm. It will be at Davies Symphony Hall.

Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico

2023-11-03 01:50:39 UTC

Hanal Pixan is similar to Dia de los Muertos but with a Mayan twist. This celebration usually lasts for 3 days straight from October 31st to November 2nd. It's a unique celebration since only the Yucatan Peninsula celebrates Hanal Pixan. On October 31st is the celebration dedicated to deceased kids on November first it's for Adults, and on November 2nd it's dedicated to all souls. In Merida, everything will be decorated for this event. You'll find altars all over the town but you should definitely check out the ones in Plaza Grande which is the main plaza in downtown Merida. If you'd like to partake in this Mayan tradition you can find everything you need to make an Altar in Mercado Lucas de Galvez, which is the largest market in Merida. There's a parade which happens called Paseo de las Animas where people dress up in traditional attire with their faces painted as skulls. You can participate in this parade as well, there will be face painters set up before it begins so you can get your face painted and join the celebration! There are many more activities all throughout Merida and I highly recommend to walk around and just immerse yourself in the celebration.