The Day of the Dead

I’m from “Los Altos de Jalisco” area, and in this area, there isn’t this festivity, however, in many places of
Mexico, like Michoacán, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Estado de México… and others states, the Day of de Dead, is
celebrated.

Every year, on November 1st, and 2nd, “The all Saints Day”, and “All Souls Day”, are celebrated.

This comes from the ancient indigenous peoples of Mexico (Purépechas, Nahuas, Totonacas, Otomíes,
etc.) who believed that the souls of the dead return each year to visit with their living relatives, to eat, drink
and be happy, just like they did when they were living.

On November 1st, is celebrated the dead of children (All Saints Day, because the children are innocents,
and so, are saints), and flower, candies, toys… are put in their graves. On November 2 nd, adults are
celebrated with his favorite food and drinks. A lot of candles and many flowers are put in his graves. The
candles light, are supposed to guide the spirits home to their loved relatives.

Either, skeletons and skulls are put on the offer’s table by the relatives. In the ancient Mexican culture,
skeletons and skulls there were a symbol of live, not death symbols.

One of the must important places to know this tradition is Michoacán. Some towns of Michoacán, like
Janitzio, Tzintzuntzán, Jarácuaro, Erongarícuaro and Pátzcuaro, are the most important places to know it.

In this area, the graves and altars are prepared by the family. Copal is burned by the family, and prayers
and chants are singed through the night. The bells are ringed to 6:00 p.m. from 6:00 a.m., so that, at
sunrise the ringing bells stops and the relatives go home, and until the next year they will do it again.