VIET NAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY – HCMC

UNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES &

HUMANITIES
Faculty of English Linguistics & Literature
Department of American & British Culture and
Literature

RESEARCH PAPER

Día de Muertos
(The Day of the Dead)
in Mexico
Subject: Internship 2
Subject code: 2110NVA194.201
Instructor: Ms. Vân Thị Nhã Trúc

Group’s members: GROUP 3

Võ Thị Mỹ Duyên 1857010161

Trịnh Ý Hương 1857010188
Nguyễn Vũ Khang 1857010200
Ngô Thị Mỹ Huyền 1857010197

Nguyễn Khoa Đức Huy 1857010194

Ngô Thiên Hương 1857010189

Nguyễn Thành Đạt 1857010144

Trương Thị Hồng Ánh 1757010049

Nguyễn Hoàng Duy 1857010157

Ho Chi Minh city, December 24, 2021.

 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico

Table of Contents

Abstract......................................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Introduction of Día De Muertos.............................................................................................................2
2. History of Día De Muertos.....................................................................................................................2
3. The festival............................................................................................................................................. 3
3.1 Three phases........................................................................................................................................ 3
3.2 Activities............................................................................................................................................. 4
3.2.1 Building and Decorating Altars.....................................................................................................4
3.2.2 Writing Literary calaveras (Calaveras literarias)..........................................................................4
3.2.3 Dressing up................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2.4 Singing and dancing...................................................................................................................... 5
3.2.5 Eating & drinking.......................................................................................................................... 6
4. Symbols and humanistic meaning (Calavera - skull, La Catrina, marigold )..........................................7
4.1 Symbols............................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1.1 Marigold........................................................................................................................................ 7
4.1.2 Calavera........................................................................................................................................ 7
4.1.3 La Catrina...................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Humanistic meanings.......................................................................................................................... 8
5. Similar festival in Viet Nam - Wandering Souls’ Day...........................................................................8
5.1 Origin.................................................................................................................................................. 9
5.2 Beliefs................................................................................................................................................. 9
5.3 Celebration........................................................................................................................................ 10
6. Influences of Día de Muertos on pop culture and vice versa...............................................................10
6.1 Coco.................................................................................................................................................. 10
6.2 Spectre............................................................................................................................................... 11
7. Conclusion........................................................................................................................................... 12
References.................................................................................................................................................. 13
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico

Día de Muertos
(The Day of the Dead)
in Mexico

Abstract

Throughout history, Día De Muertos itself has become a symbol for Mexican culture. It
represents Mexicaness and is also an important part of Mexico’s national identity. When one
thinks about Mexico’s holidays, their mind goes directly to Día De Muertos. Intrigued by this
colorful holiday and its relation with death, we, students of culture and literature, feel the
fascination, importance and necessity of the knowledge of this wonderful holiday’s celebration.
This research will focus on the description and explanation of Día De Muertos (The Day of The
Dead) in Mexico and the comparison between Día De Muertos and The Wandering Souls’ Day in
Viet Nam. The paper is also an attempt to provide a deep understanding of Día De Muertos in
Mexico, its humanistic values, its impacts on popular culture and vice versa.

1
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico
1. Introduction of Día De Muertos

Death marks a stop to one’s existence and is usually viewed in a negative way. Most
people address death as the most terrible thing that can happen to them, and a root cause of deep
sorrow and suffering for the living, or the remaining ones. Although death is an inevitable part of
everyone’s life, in some cultures, it is considered a taboo topic, unless it is extremely necessary.
Not many would say they are entirely comfortable bringing up death in a conversation but rather
regard it as something to be kept private and personal. However, in Mexico, people have an
interesting and unique way to joyously celebrate life and death, which is the national holiday -
Day of the Dead or Día de Muertos. Day of the Dead is a traditional celebration, a special
occasion for family members to welcome their deceased relatives back from October 31 to
November 2.

2. History of Día De Muertos

The very beginning of The Day of The Dead or Día de Muertos belonged to the Aztec
people in what is now central Mexico. The Aztecs are Nahuatl-speaking people who had a big
empire existing in the 15th and 16th century. They were a large group of hunters and gatherers.
But their origin is still a mystery.
The Aztecs used skulls to honor ghosts a long time before the celebrations of The Day of
the Dead emerged. Skulls which were once placed on Aztec temples remain a symbol in a
tradition that had existed more than six centuries in the annual celebrations to honor and
commune with those who passed away.
In the 16th century, when the Spanish conquered the Aztec empire, the Catholic Church
changed indigenous celebrations and rituals honoring the dead throughout the year to the Catholic
dates commemorating All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2. Then it
becomes the day known as Día de Muertos, a Latin American indigenous tradition and also a
symbol to honor the dead and notions of the afterlife, celebrated on November 2.

3. The festival
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 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico

3.1 Three phases

The celebration begins at midnight on October 31 and it runs through the end of November
2, and it is known as the time when the barrier between the land of the dead and that of the living
is thin, allowing spirits to return home and visit their family and friends.
The festival starts on October 31 and is known as All Saints' Eve. On this day, the city's
cemeteries are bustling with activities. Cemeteries are where families gather to connect with the
dead souls of their relatives, and people arrive with flowers and cleaning equipment to prepare
the graves for the festival.
On November 1, the focus will be on the souls of dead children with toys and colorful
balloons adorning their graves. All Saints' Day is also a day for feasting. Family meals are as
crucial to Mexicans as Thanksgiving dinners in other places. The meal is full of memories of
those who have shared it in the past. A music band comes to the house and fills the yard with
their music and dancing. It is an honor for the family when musicians and carnival revelers gather
in their front garden before they all move on around the town. The celebrations, the dancing, and
the dressing up will parade and trumpet until the morning of All Souls' Day, November 2.
November 2 is similarly recognized as All Souls’ Day when the Catholics remember and
pray for the dead. Visiting the family graves and remembering the deceased relatives are among
the rituals. This Christian holiday combines with ancient Mexican traditions to create a cultural
mash-up. Traditionally, November 2 honors deceased adults and is an official holiday in Mexico.
Mexican Catholics welcome the souls of their dead loved ones back to earth. The cemeteries are
full of colors from the dressing of the graves with flowers - a typical feature of the festival. In
spite of the fact that people enjoy and celebrate the festival for three consecutive days, the
remembering of their beloved ones never stops for one minute.

3.2 Activities

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 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico
3.2.1 Building and Decorating Altars

With the purpose of honoring and welcoming the spirits of the deceased, the altar, or
“ofrenda” in Spanish, holds the most meaning for those celebrating The Day of the Dead in
Mexico. On this day, Mexican families will set up and decorate the altars with photos of their
beloved ones and other items. They believe that the souls of the dead will return to reunite with
them on this day. Therefore, the altar usually includes water, the beloved one’s favorite foods,
drinks, books, clothes they used to wear, and other items. Besides, it will include traditional
Mexican dishes like tamales and moles, a range of specialty foods such as calaveritas de azúcar
(sugar skulls) and pan de Muerto (bread of the dead), an abundance of candles as well as
delicately decorated tissue paper (papel picado). Flowers are also a must-object on an ofrenda,
typically marigolds. These items also have an important meaning as they have symbolized the
four life’s elements: earth, water, air, and fire. The earth is signified by ashes, dirt, or foods such
as pan de Muerto. Water stands for quenching the spirit’s thirst after their long journey. The air is
represented by tissue paper with elaborate patterns. Fire is represented by candles that help guide
the dead home (Farfán, 2014).

3.2.2 Writing Literary calaveras (Calaveras literarias)

Calaveras Literarias, or Literary Calaveras, are compositions of verse and rhymes,

originally from Mexico, typically on The Day of the Dead. Writing literary Calaveras is an
integral practice for Mexicans of The Day of the Dead tradition. Normally, literary Calaveras are
short and humorous poems that are usually used to satirize a noble and famous person such as a
politician, a friend, a relative, or events by playfully parodying the inevitable death of those
involved. The rules of Calavera's writing are comparatively flexible. A Calavera typically
consists of verses (preferably of eight syllables each although other meters are acceptable),
incorporating a rhyme scheme (abab, aabb, or abba), and strophes or stanzas of four lines each
(Austin College, 2018). Most Calaveras are only made of one to three strophes, although longer
Calaveras also exist. Although all these Calaveras poems point out the shortcomings of people
but are meant to be taken in the spirit of fun (Mama, 2011).

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 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico

3.2.3 Dressing up

An explosion of color and life-affirming joy, that is what The Day of the Dead will be
described due to its festivities. The purpose of this day is to demonstrate love and respect for the
deceased family members based on the theme of death. In towns and cities throughout Mexico,
revelers do funky makeup and costumes, hold parades and parties, and make offerings to their
lost loved ones.
The Day of the Dead is an extremely social holiday that spills into streets and public
squares throughout the day and night. Dressing up as skeletons is part of the day. People of all
ages have their faces artfully painted to resemble skulls, and, mimicking the Calavera Catrina (a
famous female skeleton of a high-society lady).
Women's Day of the Dead costumes are probably the most iconic symbol giving the
impression on other people of this festival - “it ain’t Day of the Dead without women dresses”
(Green, 2021). Dresses are the true philosophy of La Catrina. One has to be creative for the best
Day of the Dead costume ideas. Some wear Catrina masks and colorful day of the dead outfits.
Many revelers wear shells or other noisemakers to blow up the excitement of the day.

3.2.4 Singing and dancing

Music and dancing are significant and unreplaceable elements of The Day of the Dead
tradition. Music is performed to honor the spirits such as mariachi (a genre of regional Mexican
music), corridos (a narrative metrical tale and poetry that forms a ballad), jarocho (a regional folk
musical style), and traditional songs. People can easily see musicians walking in the municipal
cemeteries as people begin to arrive to pay their respects to their dead.

In Mexico, La Danza de los Viejitos (the dance of the little old men) and La Danza de los
Tecuanes (the dance of the tigers/jaguars) are traditional dances that are performed, including
bright costumed dancers floating with images of giant skulls. The Day of the Dead celebrations
are colorfully and noisily performed by these people.

5
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico
3.2.5 Eating & drinking

Eating and drinking are an integral part of any celebrations or holidays throughout the
world. During Día de Muertos fiesta, food is both eaten by living people and served to the spirits
of the dead as offerings while drinks are also indispensable to the tradition of Día de Muertos.
Pan de Muerto
Also known as Bread of the dead, it is a type of sweet bread topped with sugar baked in
Mexico during the weeks leading up to the Día de Muertos. Pan de Muerto plays a central role in
the country’s Day of the Dead celebration in which the Mexican people welcome back the souls
of deceased loved ones. Pan de Muerto is round and has 4 to 8 sticks made of dough on the top
which is akin to human bones. Mexican people believe that the bread symbolizes a fraternal
offering to the souls and it is believed to hold or sustain the souls of beloved ones. (Cullen, n.d.)
Tamales
Tamales are a very traditional Mexican food that is popular year-round but is made even
more popular during Day of the Dead festivities. They are like small steamed packages made of
cornhusks or banana leaves filled with a tasty corn paste. There are countless varieties of tamales
and they are definitely worth trying a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine. Every year tamales are
offered to the dead. The tamale is also considered to be indispensable as food for the spirits so
that they have the strength necessary for transiting beyond the grave and waiting for their return
in the afterlife to the earth (The State, 2020).
Atole
This non-alcoholic, corn-based drink is commonly used for dunking Pan de Muertos. It's
made from masa flour and has roots dating back to the Aztecs. It is technically a porridge, but it
is consumed as a beverage, and is popular after dinner or with breakfast, especially during Day of
the Dead. Although atole is one of the traditional drinks of the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead,
it is very common during breakfast and dinner time at any time of year. It is usually sold as street
food. Mexican elders are said to have drunk atole because it gives them energy and if a mother is
nursing, it gives her more milk (Mama, 2019).
Besides, there are many other foods and drinks that Mexican people consume on this fiesta
such as Calabaza en Tacha (Mexican candied pumpkin), Calaveras (sugar skull), candies, hot
chocolate, caramel flan, etc. All of the above foods and drinks are unique, which contributes to
6
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico
the excitement and the vividness of Día de Muertos.

4. Symbols and humanistic meaning (Calavera - skull, La Catrina, marigold )

4.1 Symbols

4.1.1 Marigold

The first major symbol of Día De Muertos is marigold or cempasúchil. This kind of
flower is considered “the flower of the dead” and it has been associated with the holiday since
pre-Hispanic times. The Mexicans believe that marigold with its vivid color (orange or yellow)
and aromatic smell can guide the returning souls to their homes. Hence, they create paths of
marigold petals from the door to the altar to lead the souls. Sometimes, the flower paths are also
strewn from the door of the house out to the road in the direction of the cemetery to ensure that,
after the feast, the souls will not be lost and can find their way back to the cemetery (Carmichael
& Sayer, 2006).

4.1.2 Calavera

Another symbol of Día De Muertos that can be seen everywhere during the holiday is
calavera (meaning skull). As the holiday is a day about the dead, skulls are everywhere: from
sugar skulls on the altar to masks and face drawings of skulls. In Día De Muertos, skulls
symbolize the image of death yet in a positive way for it is decorated with many vibrant colors.
This symbol also indicates the special relationship between the Mexicans and death:
The Mexican ... is familiar with death, jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it,
celebrates it. True, there is as much fear in his attitude as in that of others, but at
least death is not hidden away: he looks at it face to face, with impatience, disdain
or irony. (Paz & Kemp, 1961)

4.1.3 La Catrina

7
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico
La Catrina is one of the most famous symbols of Día De Muertos. La Catrina or La
Calavera Catrina is a tall female skeleton wearing a fancy hat with feathers. It is originally called
La Calavera Garbancera ("the elegant skeleton") that was created in 1913 by José Guadalupe
Posada - a Mexican engraver, illustrator and caricaturist. Posada drew her based on the image of
some Mexicans who were influenced by Europeans and tried to look wealthy and aristocratic at
that time. The drawing reminds people of who they are and to live their true selves rather than
pretending to be something else, for rich or poor, white or colored, elite or farmer, all will end up
as skeletons. La Catrina also represents the view of Mexicans toward death. They regard death as
a part of life and for that, they approach it passionately and humorously (Carmichael & Sayer,
2006).
4.2 Humanistic meanings

Día De Muertos has been recognised by UNESCO in 2003 as an Intangible Cultural

Heritage of Humanity not only for its representation of Mexican culture and but also for its
humanistic meanings. The holiday is an occasion for a family gathering for both the living and
the dead. For the living, it is a chance for people to come back home and reunite with their family
and friends. For the dead, they can return to the land of the living and spend time, though not
much, with their family. Moreover, Día De Muertos is also a sacred time for people to remember
and honor their beloved and departed ancestors (Brandes, 2008). The Mexican celebrate this
holiday as a way to show their appreciation for the deceased relatives and loved ones and to the
precious life that they are living. Besides, sharing is also part of the humanistic meanings of the
holiday. After the holiday, the ofrenda (altar) will be shared with relatives, friends, and neighbors
(Carmichael & Sayer, 2006). Sharing the offering is a way to strengthen the relationships
between people in the community.

5. Similar festival in Viet Nam - Wandering Souls’ Day

Similar to Día De Muertos in Mexico, Vietnam also has a day to remember the dead
which is called Wandering Souls’ Day. Both festivals in Vietnam and Mexico share the same
theme: remembering and expressing gratitude to their beloved ones who passed away. These
two celebrations, however, have significant distinguishing features.
8
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico

5.1 Origin

The history of Día de Muertos is still unknown; however, some ideas suggest that it
stems from Aztec practices and that the Catholics selected November 2 to commemorate this
festival. On the other hand, the Wandering Souls’ Day is celebrated during the 15th of July in
the Lunar calendar and observed by both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. According to
Venerable Thich Nhat Thien, the custom of worshiping the wandering souls originates from
China. Chinese Buddhists call this worshiping ceremony "Fang yankou", that is, offering alms
and praying for hungry ghosts that have flaming mouths. Vietnamese, nonetheless, interpret the
festival widely and refer to it as “offering the wandering ghosts”, which is giving alms to the
souls who have no kins on Earth. (Hải Vân, 2019).

5.2 Beliefs

The common belief both Mexicans and Vietnamese people have is that during these
occasions, the souls will return and reunite with the living. However, the Vietnamese have
different beliefs about Wandering Souls’ Day. They believe that everyone has two souls, one
spiritual and one material, and when someone dies, their souls are brought to hell and judged by
ten justices. After the judgment, the souls are either sent to heaven or hell as a reward or
punishment for their actions on Earth (Nguyễn Văn Huyên, 2020). Furthermore, the Vietnamese
not only commemorate the souls of their loved ones, but they also do good deeds for the lonely
souls. Wandering Souls’ Day is said to be the finest moment for monks and families to obtain
broad amnesty for all souls. Souls with relatives return to their homes and communities to find
food on their family altars. Those who have no family or loved ones are destined to roam
helplessly everywhere. These spirits require sincere prayers and food, which is why there are
countless offerings in public areas and pagodas on this day.

5.3 Celebration

At both festivals, people set up and decorate Ở cả hai lễ hội, người dân đều dọn dẹp

9
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico
altars for the deceased relatives, and prepare
their dead ones' favorite food. However, the
Vietnamese also set up an offering table for the
lonely and helpless souls who have no family
on Earth. The offering tables usually have
boiled chicken, pork, and five different kinds of thân nhân trên dương thế. Những mâm
fruits, sticky rice cakes, boiled cassava,
sugarcane, sweet potatoes, etc. Another
indispensable offering is plain porridge. In
pagodas, after praying to the gods, monks
sprinkle porridge on both sides of the road
leading to the altar so that the old and sick souls thần linh, các nhà sư sẽ rưới cháo ở hai
can receive a bit of it.
In Mexico, Día de Muertos lasts three days,
with many public activities, and families gather
to eat and sing till dawn. In Viet Nam, the
environment is more private, focusing on each
family celebration rather than communal
activities.
Although there are some differences in history,
beliefs, and celebration of Día de Muertos and
Wandering Souls' Day. These two festivals
share a traditional cultural beauty, containing
the humanity of culture and behavior. The two
occasions are a chance for people to express
gratitude to their parents, remember their
10
và trang trí bàn thờ của những người
thân đã khuất đồng thời chuẩn bị món
ăn họ yêu thích. Tuy nhiên, người Việt
Nam còn chuẩn bị thêm một mâm cơm
cúng những vong linh cô đơn không còn
cơm cúng thường gồm gà luộc, thịt heo,
mâm ngũ quả, bánh chưng, khoai mì
luộc, khoai lang,… Một lễ vật khác
không thể thiếu chính là cháo trắng (?).
Trong các chùa, sau khi đã khấn vái
bên đường dẫn đến bàn thờ để những
vong linh già yếu có thể hưởng được
một ít.
Ở Mexico, Ngày của Người chết kéo dài
ba ngày với nhiều hoạt động cộng đồng
và các gia đình tụ tập ăn uống ca hát tới
sáng. Ở Việt Nam, không khí có phần
riêng tư hơn, tập trung vào bữa tiệc của
mỗi gia đình hơn là các hoạt động
chung.
Dù Ngày của Người chết và ngày Xá tội
vong nhân có nhiều điểm khác nhau về
lịch sử, tín ngưỡng và cách tổ chức,
nhưng hai lễ hội này vẫn có chung nét
đẹp văn hóa cổ truyền, chứa đựng tinh
thần nhân văn của văn hóa và cách đối
nhân xử thế. Cả hai đều là dịp để mọi
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico
deceased relatives, grandparents, and ancestors.
6. Influences of Día de Muertos on pop
culture and vice versa
Traditionally, the Day of the Dead is not as big as it
is today. This festival rises from the graveyard, and
then influences many kinds of popular culture in
Mexico. Spectre and Coco are the two examples
which significantly prove the influence of this
festival.
6.1 Coco
A work which is influenced by Día de Muertos and
then makes it much more famous is Coco.Coco is a
2017 American computer-animated film produced
by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt
Disney Pictures. “It’s like a grand family reunion,”
says Coco screenwriter Adrian Molina. “It’s joyful
and beautiful. It is primarily celebrated in Mexico,
but has spread to other places as well.”
This film is a great work that makes the festival in
11
người bày tỏ lòng biết ơn đối với cha
mẹ, tưởng nhớ ông bà, tổ tiên và những
người thân đã khuất.
6. Ảnh hưởng của Ngày của Người
chết đối với văn hóa đại chúng và
ngược lại
Ngày xưa Ngày của Người chết
không lớn như bây giờ. Lễ hội này
bắt nguồn từ một khu nghĩa trang rồi
ảnh hưởng đến các loại văn hóa đại
chúng khác ở Mexico. Spectre và
Coco là hai ví dụ rõ nét nhất về tầm
ảnh hưởng của lễ hội này.
6.1. Coco
Một tác phẩm chịu ảnh hưởng bởi
Ngày của Người chết và sau đó làm
cho nó nổi tiếng hơn là Coco. Coco là
một bộ phim hoạt hình máy tính của
Mỹ do Pixar Animation Studios sản
xuất và Walt Disney Pictures phát
hành. Nhà biên kịch của phim Coco
Adrian Molina cho biết:”Nó giống
như cuộc đoàn tụ của một đại gia
đình. Thật vui vẻ và đẹp đẽ. Nó chủ
yếu được tổ chức ở Mexico nhưng
cũng đã lan ra những nơi khác.
Bộ phim là một tác phẩm tuyệt vời đã
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico
Mexico well-known, because of its factual elements làm ngày lễ của Mexico trở nên nổi
that are the same as in real life. In fact, one can visit tiếng bởi các yếu tố trong phim giống
actual locations in Mexico that are seen in Coco.
This film emphasizes the roles of the ofrenda,
calaveras, some symbols such as flowers, skulls,
and even the welcoming atmosphere of this day.
The concept for Coco was obviously
inspired by the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead,
and until now it has stayed the 20th of the highest-
grossing animated films. Coco is a popular movie
that makes The Day of the Dead in Mexico known
to many people around the world.
6.2 Spectre
Another outstanding work of pop culture that
affects The Day of the Dead is the film Spectre.
Spectre is a 2015 spy film and the twenty-fourth in
the James Bond series produced by Eon
Productions for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and
Columbia Pictures.
Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations originally
12
với ngoài thực tế. Những địa điểm đẫ
xuất hiện trong Coco hoàn toàn có
thể d
Bộ phim nhấn mạnh vai trò của bàn
thờ và đầu lâu cùng những biểu
tượng như hoa, đầu lâu và cả không
khí chào của ngày này.
Rõ ràng, bộ phim Coco lấy ý tưởng
từ ngày của Người chết của Mexico
và đến nay, bộ phim giữ được vị trí
thứ 20 trong số các bộ phim hoạt
hình có doanh thu cao nhất. Coco là
bộ phim nổi tiếng làm cho Ngyaf của
Người chết của Mexico được mọi
người trên toàn thế giới biết đến.
6.2. Spectre
Một tác phẩm đáng chú ý khác của
văn hóa đại chúng ảnh hưởng đến
Ngày của Người chết là bộ phim
Spectre. Spectre là bộ phim gián điệp
sản xuất năm 2015 và là phần thứ 24
trong loạt phim về James Bond do
Eon Productions sản xuất cho Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer và Columbia
Pictures.
Ban đầu, Ngày của Người chết ở
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico
consisted of quiet family gatherings at the graves of Mexico là những buổi tụ họp gia đình
their departed loved ones bringing them music, yên tĩnh bên mộ những người thân đã
drink and conversation. However, the idea was born khuất, ca hát, uống mừng và trò
out of the imagination of a scriptwriter for the chuyện. Tuy nhiên, ý tưởng nảy ra
James Bond movie Spectre. In the film, the opening vượt xa sức tưởng tượng của nhà biên
scenes were shot in Mexico City, Bond chases a kịch cho bộ phim James Bond
villain through crowds of revelers in what Spectre. Trong phim, phân cảnh đầu
resembled a parade of people in skeleton outfits and tiên được quay ở Mexico City, nơi
floats. James Bond đuổi theo một tên côn đồ
lần trong đám đông những nghệ nhân
biểu diễn trông giống như đoàn người
diễu hành trong trang phục bộ xương
và lơ lửng.
When this film was released, it was seen by Khi ra mắt, bộ phim thu về hàng triệu
millions of people in more than 65 countries around lượt xem đến từ hơn 65 quốc gia trên
the world. As a result, expectations for the real toàn thế giới. Thế là, mong muốn có
parade should be held on this day, for not only một cuộc diễu hành thực sự vào ngày
generating and accomplishing a desire of the này không chỉ tạo ra và hoàn thành
Mexico residents, but also appealing participation mong muốn của người dân Mexico
from tourists all over the world. Moreover, The Day mà còn thu hút du khách từ khắp nơi
of the Dead also becomes more and more well- trên thế giới tham gia. Hơn nữa,
known with the help of Mexico City authorities, by Ngày của Người chết cũng ngày càng
sponsoring its celebration of this big parade. nổi tiếng nhờ việc chính quyền
Mexico City đã tài trợ cho cuộc diễu
hành lớn trong ngày này.
Therefore, it can be seen that Spectre is the kind of Chính vì lẽ đó, Spectre có thể được
popular movie influenced by Día de Muertos, then xem là bộ phim nổi tiếng chịu ảnh
in return making this festival, especially the special hưởng bởi Ngày của Người chết, sau
parade well-known by many people around the đó quay ngược lại giúp lễ hội này,

13
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico
world.
It can be seen that Spectre and Coco in some ways
are one of the most popular works being inspired
and influenced by Mexico’s Día de Muertos; and on biểu trong số những tác phẩm nổi
the other hand, this traditional festival is becoming
more and more popular by the existence of these
popular movies and arts like them.
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that Día de Muertos is not
only a traditional festival in Mexico but has also
become famous in many countries around the
world. Día de Muertos shows that the Mexicans
accept death as part of the cycle of life and
willingly celebrate it with many joyful activities.
Ofrendas, Calaveras, La Catrina, marigold flowers,
and parades are the main parts of this holiday that
influence popular culture. This festival not only
represents Mexican culture, but it is also an
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and an
occasion for a family reunion of both the living and
the dead.
14
đặc biệt là cuộc diễu hành đặc biệt,
nổi tiếng trên toàn thế giới.
Ở vài khía cạnh, Spectre và Coco có
thể được xem là hai tác phẩm tiêu
tiếng được truyền cảm hứng từ Ngày
của Người chết của Mexico. Mặt
khác, lễ hội truyền thống này đang
ngày càng nổi tiếng hơn nhờ những
bộ phim và các tác phẩm nghệ thuật
tương tự.
7. Kết luận
Tóm lại, Ngày của Người chết không
chỉ đơn thuần là một lễ hội truyền
thống ở Mexico mà còn nổi tiếng ở
nhiều quốc gia trên thế giới. Ngày
của Người chết cho thấy người
Mexico chấp nhận cái chết là một
phần trong vòng đời của con người
và sẵn sàng ăn mừng việc ấy bằng
nhiều hoạt động vui chơi giải trí. Bàn
thờ, đầu lâu, La Catrina, hoa cúc vạn
thọ và buổi diễu hành là những phần
chính của lễ hội này và có tầm ảnh
hưởng đến văn hóa đại chúng. Lễ hội
này không chỉ đại diện cho văn hóa
Mexico mà còn là Di sản văn hóa phi
vật thể của nhân loại và là một dịp để
những người sống và người đã khuất
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico
trong gia đình tụ họp lại với nhau.

15
 Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico
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%20a%20warm%20drink,also%20sweeten%20this%20warm%20drink.

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