I was raised with Halloween traditions, however, after watching Lizzie McGuire’s Halloween episode, it made me interested in this new festival: Dia De Los Muertos or “Day of the Dead.” When Miranda Sanchez told Kate Saunders about this new tradition I was freaked out! But as I got older, I met a colleague of mine who is from Mexico and she also celebrates it. I think it would be a gratifying experience to encounter this celebration. Traditions are always interesting for me, so I hope you all find it unique too.
The Purpose – In Mexico, they believe that the gates of Heaven open and the souls can be with their loved ones on earth. Dia De Los Muertos are for honoring and celebrating their past loved ones. No vampires, witches, or Frankenstien needed for this celebration…
Partying – When they aren’t creating these massive and beautiful homemade alters, they go to the cemeteries and have flowers, candles, music, drinks, and food to celebrate! It’s like having a party at a funeral to celebrate, instead of mourn.
The Food – Forget the candies, in Mexico they prepare traditional meals to honor their loved ones. Foods such as. Pan de Muerto, or “Bread of the Dead,” and Chorizo & Cheese Tamales, which is meat and cheese wrapped in a mesa, (which is a boiled or steamed wrapped leaf paper).
The Costumes – We all dress up for Halloween in costumes that can be fun and creative, but they dress up in traditional Mexican clothes and makeup! Women wear beautiful dresses, and men wear traditional suits with Dia De Los Muertos makeup, like the Sugar Skull!
Dia De Los Muertos has these unique and beautiful tradtions that Halloween can’t compete with! I will always love Halloween for the childhood innocence that resonates with the Disney Orginal movies, Simpsons Treehouse of Horror episodes, and the AMC scare-a-thon, but to actually celebrate Dia De Los Muertos at least once in Mexico in my lifetime would be a treasure. The concept is even more beautiful since it is more about celebrating the soul being reunited, instead of having a soul haunted or possessed. Who wants that over my head?
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