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BY Nancy Mueller 6 Comments ON April 4, 2013

D is for El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

DayoftheDeadcarmichaellibraryFlickr (450 x 338)

Photo courtesy of carmichael library – flickr

One of the many cultural holidays that I have yet to experience firsthand is Mexico’s El Dia de los Muertos. Celebrated annually on November 1st and 2nd, the holiday brings family and friends together to remember, honor and pray for the deceased.

DayoftheDeadElaphurusFlickr (338 x 450)

Photo courtesy of Elaphurus – flickr

Though the holiday begins at midnight on Oct. 31st, the Mexican celebration differs from Halloween in the United States where skulls and skeletons traditionally frighten people away. Instead, hoping to attract the spirits of the dead, celebrants of El Dia de los Muertos decorate altars, sugared skulls and skeletons.

DayoftheDeadminicooper93402Flickr (300 x 450)

Photo courtesy of minicooper93402 – flickr

Other activities include joining in candlelight processions, and carrying photos of loved ones and food and flowers for the deceased on visits to cemeteries. While the practice may seem somewhat macabre to the uninitiated, the mood appears festive rather than somber. Music, dancing and sharing traditional Mexican foods like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) are all part of the ritual.

What about you, wanderboomers? Have you experienced this traditional Mexican holiday?

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Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, By Land, By Ship & By Sea, Destinations, Holidays, Mexico Tagged With: Day of the Dead, El Dia de los Muertos, Mexican tradition, Mexico

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Comments

  1. maggie winter says

    April 4, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    Oh what a clever D, love it, thanks.

    Reply
    • Nancy Mueller says

      April 4, 2013 at 9:40 pm

      Thanks, Maggie!

      Reply
  2. Nancy LaRonda Johnson says

    April 4, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    I love your pictures! I have never experienced that but would love to. It’s something you see on tv, but that’s it. Seems like it would be a clean Carnival, just fun and excitement and colorful.

    Nancy, newly appointed Spunky’s Soldier A-Z Challenge

    Reply
    • Nancy Mueller says

      June 23, 2013 at 9:40 pm

      Thanks, Nancy!

      Reply
  3. Rossandra White says

    April 4, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    I think it’s a great idea. They have the right idea.

    Reply
    • Nancy Mueller says

      April 4, 2013 at 9:43 pm

      I agree, Rossandra. It takes away some of the fear of death when celebrants look forward to annual visits from deceased loved ones.

      Reply

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Hello fellow wanderboomers! I’m a Seattle-based travel journalist, specializing in fun travel adventures for the young at heart. My articles have been featured in Hemispheres, AAA Highroads Magazine and Northwest Travel & Life Magazine where I'm a frequent contributor. When this Wanderboomer isn’t traveling, I help global executives polish their personal and professional brand for long-term results.
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