Day of the Dead - 1st /2nd Nov 2016
photo - https://pixabay.com/en/users/payucon
This celebration originating in Mexico, is not one of mourning or weeping for the dearly departed, but is a time of celebrations, food, drink and fiestas. This typically takes place between the 31st Oct - 2nd of Nov. The actual Day of the Dead is on All Saints Day.
On the 1st Nov traditionally, the day of deceased children - dia de los innocentes the graves
of the innocent are decorated with white flowers.
On the 2nd Nov - dia de los muertos - the adults graves are honoured with wreaths of gold marigolds.
All across Mexico you will see altars elaborately decorated with flowers, candles, sweets, fruits, rice and personal offering to the remembered. Some families build small shrines in their homes.
Traditionally, families spend time around the altar, praying and telling meaningful and sometimes funny heartwarming stories about their dearly departed. In some parts of Mexico they wear shells on their clothing, so when they dance, the noise will wake up the dead.
Photo - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Paolaricaurte
Frida Kahlo created an altar in her Blue House during this festivity; she also let herself be photographed in her bedroom holding a skull
Photographer unknown
Frida Kahlo then became the inspiration for the Day of the Dead look that inspired the Catrinas.
Frieda Kahlo
Catrinas are a specific type of decorative skulls (calaveras) well-dressed, wealthy women of the early 20th century.
photo -https://pixabay.com/en/users/andrespatarroyo
The iconic symbol of the day of the dead is the skull - calaveras. This can be found in skull shaped and decorated treats. The figures and painting of the skeletons are always dressed up and enjoying life.
photo - https://pixabay.com/en/users/dat7
The day of the dead celebrates death as part of the cycle of human experience,. The Mexicans believe that on the day of the dead, the dead are apart of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share celebrations with their loved ones.