Day of the Dead 2016 - 5 Things You Need to Know About Mexico's Dia De Muertos

Day of the Dead 2016 - 5 Things You Need to Know About Mexico's Dia De Muertos

No, despite the title of Day of the Dead (Dia De Muertos), it's not a celebration of death, but it is a celebration of those that have passed from life to death. And it does smile very brightly, vigilantly, into the face of death itself. And Day of the Dead is celebrated annually across Mexico and by Mexican-American dwellers all around the USA. And this Wednesday night marks the last day of the yearly celebrated Day of the Dead festival.

The of Day of the Dead festivals that take place annually from November 1-2, was first started by the ancient Aztecs to remember and commemorate loved ones who had passed away. And the celebrations are held to get together, remember and pray for for the spiritual journeys of those souls that have passed away from life to death.


Google celebrates Day of The Dead 2016 with it's Google Doogle.

All across Mexico, people dress up in very vivid and colorful clothes, and wear makeup to make them look like that of the dead. Such as the use of skull make up and skull icons. Vigils are held by families who offer presents to the dead and parties take place all over Mexico who offer gifts and presents in the hope and belief that the spirits of the dead will bless them with luck and protection throughout their life.

And in case you wanted to know more about Day of the Dead 2016. Here's 5 Things You Need to Know About Mexico's Dia De Muertos.

1. It's Not Meant to Be Scary!

Yes I know the name itself resembles that of a scary zombie movie. And that everyone dresses up in scary looking outfits, and don face paintings that resembles that of a skull. But the event itself is not meant to be scary or frightening. Not to the Mexicans anyway who believe that death itself isn't something we should hold in fear, but rather, they see the humor in death and believe that death itself, should be celebrated and not something you should be afraid of. There is much dancing and colorful costumes worn by people with skull paintings or masks held in the plaza or community gardens in the town.


2. Each Town Does it Differently

While Day of the Dead 2016 is meant to be a rather grave like event that is taken quite seriously, it is celebrated in very bright colors and carnival like way. Sugar skulls are made and eaten as a sweet reminder that death is just a sweet release from a life of pain and torture to a life of sweet release and eternal bliss. Many Mexican kids will wear costumes as though they was going out trick or treating, but there's no scary monsters or any tricks being pulled. Just celebrations, fun and laughter by all involved. The celebrations that take place aren't universal in that each town will do the same thing. In Pátzcuaro in Michoacán for example, if the deceased is a child, they set out a table and fill it with sweets and delicious fruits or "pan de muerto" which is a sort of sweet roll, along with a cross and candles which celebrates the life of the child with respect and admiration for the parents.

3. It's Celebrated in The Philippines and S/ America

The celebrations of Day of the Dead are well considered to come from a time way back in the late 1500's, when the islands were governed from Mexico City by the Viceroyalty of New Spain. These days, families use the holiday to tend to the tombs and graves of deceased family members. Mexican and Filipino families usually spend the night in graveyards playing card games and drinking so as to feel close to their loved ones that have passed away. Across Brazil where the event is known as "Finados", and in Ecuador & Belize where the event is known as "Day of the Skulls", different variations of the event are held where they crown the skulls of their family with fresh flowers.


4. Funny Poems Are Written to The Dead

Many people who take part in the celebrations also write short or even long, funny and humorous poems to the dead. These are often limericks and such that are known locally as "calaveras" and they are intended to poke fun at the epitaphs of their deceased family members and friends. These funny anecdotal calaveras often describe some of the funny or quirky habits that their long lost friends and family had and make fun of the attitudes to life they had. This is a custom that goes back well into the 18th century and often go hand in hand with funny, clever drawings as well.

5. Day of the Dead is a Protected Cultural Heritage

Image Source: Day of the Dead 2016: Google Doodle Facts Dia De Muertos.

Only the biggest events of the world get marked as a protected cultural heritage, but in 2008, UNESCO write the Day of the Dead into its list of Intangible Cultural Heritages. Making it a protected religious event along with the dances, costumes, face painting, masks, celebrations, food and all the other things that go with it. UNESCO have praised the Day of the Dead celebrations for having great creativity and vibrancy and for taking great care in the preparation of the festival itself.

And that completes 5 things you need to know about Mexico's amazing, bright, humorus and poignant Dia De Muertos celebration! I hope you enjoyed it!

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