November 1st and 2nd are the days when in Mexico we celebrate the Day of the Dead (El Día de Los Muertos). Although if at first it might sound odd that we celebrate Day of the Dead, it really is a celebration of life and a tribute to all who have passed away.
Walking around Mexican towns and plazas during this time of year you will notice many beautiful decorations, typical flowers, candles, incense and images of saints and/or of the dead one. The honoring of the dead is mostly in the form of an altar. Altars are made in honor of those who have passed away, they include their favorite dishes and beverages by our beloved: fruit, tamales, mole, sweets and the traditional sweet bread “pan de muerto”.
Thanks to efforts by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, the term “cultural heritage” is not limited to monuments and collections of objects. It also includes living expressions of culture—traditions—passed down from generation to generation. In 2008, UNESCO recognized the importance of Día de los Muertos by adding the holiday to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today Mexicans from all religious and ethnic backgrounds celebrate Día de los Muertos, but at its core, the holiday is a reaffirmation of indigenous life.
Let our actions speak for themselves so when our time comes, the ones we leave behind celebrate our life with as much happiness as if we were with them. Remember, you truly die when no one remembers you.
¡Feliz Día de los Muertos!
