Celebrating the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
The Day of the Dead is a somber occasion in many countries, however in Mexico it is a day just as much about celebrating life as it is about remembering the dead. Travelling to Oaxaca City and photographing this event has been of the most fascinating experiences of my life and I can only recommend it to anyone that gets the chance to spend this holiday in Mexico. The celebrations in Oaxaca are one of the most famous in the country, but one can find special destinations for this day in practically any part of Mexico.
The tradition has its roots going back to the Aztec empire and with time it incorporated elements of Christianism. The festivities begin as early as the 23rd of October an usually last until the 3rd of November, with the main days of celebration being between the 31st of October and 2nd of November.
Visiting Mexico during this time of the year, you can discover the many intricacies of the tradition. Ornate altars start popping up around the town, with the pictures of the departed carefully placed on them alongside their favorite foods, drinks and other symbolic objects or religious motifs. The locals often mention that the food that they put out for the dead lost their flavor after the events, which they consider a clear sign that they returned and enjoyed the “ofrenda”.
The altar and its surroundings are decorated with the bright orange or yellow marigold flowers also known as Chempasuchil, which have traditionally been considered to guide the spirits of the dead and help them return to their families. Even though for some the history and the meaning of the holiday is purely symbolic, many people still believe that the dead return and therefore prepare for this day as one would prepare for the arrival of a dear guest.
People also dress up for this day and paint their faces to become Catrinas or Catrines. These characters have their origin in Mexican history and politics and have become a symbol of the Day of the Dead over the past century. Their jovial nature is a statement that although death is inevitable, it is not a reason to be afraid and not enjoy life. Instead they celebrate, dance, eat, drink and remember all that is beautiful about it. The wonder of the holiday lies in the many layers of its symbolism, one that any person who looks beneath the surface can appreciate and relate to.
I hope that you can add this holiday to your bucket list if you haven’t done so already, and if you’ve already been part of these celebrations, I would love to hear your experiences in the comments.
