From voodoo ceremonies to the cult of Santa Muerte: this is how the world celebrates the Day of the Dead

Heart and gratitude are two of the most repeated words by residents of the city hall of Xochimilcoin the south of Mexico Cityin memory of their deceased in the traditional Day of the Deadwhich in this country is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November.

With the characteristic smell of copal, the resin that lights up during this celebration, thousands of people flocked to the historic center of the city’s Town Hall to “receive the visit”From loved ones who have passed away, a belief that has been passed down from generation to generation.

LOOK HERE: Day of the Dead 2023: everything about the holiday in today’s doodle, Wednesday, November 1

“I feel like it’s something I won’t forget, that it’s in my heart. (…) For the deceased and for me it is something very important because it is like thanking them for giving us life, with respect to my parents and brothers who I also miss“, he told EFE Gloria Isabelwho lost her 40-day-old baby 50 years ago.

At the Xilotepec Pantheon in Xochimilcothousands of Mexicans approached the altars to remember their deceased relatives, placing orange marigold flowers, typical of this country. Day of the Deadand candles in memory of “the people who gave us life and education to be what we are today“he commented Agustín Velasco Sandoval.

Tradition marks that November 1st and 2nd is the time when the souls of deceased relatives return home to live with their living relatives, guided by candles and a path of marigold petals and nourished by the essence of the food offered to them. on altars or offerings.

“My mother smoked a lot and there are times when I smell cigarettes in the house and I say to my husband: my mother is here.“, highlighted Maria del Carmen Leãowho came to “Visit” to his brother.

According to the belief of the Mexican people, November 1st is dedicated to “little dead”, Hallowmasi.e. those who died as children and the 2, All Souls Dayfor those who died in adulthood.

MORE INFORMATION: The moment migrants tear down a barbed fence and enter the United States

Day of the Dead as a world heritage site

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the declaration of the Day of the Dead by UNESCO as “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”on November 7, 2003, a tradition that, in addition, in 2008 became part of the representative list of intangible cultural heritage (PCI) of humanity, a program born that same year.

These days, which bring back pre-Hispanic traditions, “They’re still the same as 20 years ago” and, in addition, the global situation has improved, as international interest in celebrating the Day of the Dead has grown.

Although the tradition has not changed, Mexicans do not visit their dead as much due to the increase in offerings that people tend to leave at altars or graves, such as flowers.

“Before, it sold more and now it sells less. (…) The price of flowers has gone up a lot. This year at 700 pesos a thickness, or twelve dozen, and last year at 400 pesos“, he detailed Ophelia Lopezflower seller.

SEE TOO: “I’m nervous, but this is what I came for”: migrants cross into the United States despite restrictions

The footprint of covid-19

The mark of Covid-19 has been marked on all Mexicans because, during the last three years, there has been Mexico more than 3.76 million cases and 285 thousand deaths, the fourth highest figure in the world in absolute numbers.

“In the years of covid, people came less because they were afraid of getting infected (…) With covid we saw that in this pantheon there was an infinity of floats, up to 10 awaiting cremation”Detailed Velasco, who lost her daughter’s husband, a nurse who died during the pandemic.

The health crisis forced the closure of cemeteries on the Day of the Dead, meaning sales related to this celebration fell by 70%; Currently, due to rising prices, offering tables for the dead contain fewer decorations compared to other years.

“Two or three years ago we installed a sizeable 2 meter table and now we are installing a less than one meter table because it is very expensive.” he emphasized Marlene Flores.

Source: Elcomercio

jack

I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.