A Giant Catrina 10 meters high locals and visitors will be welcomed in these Day of the Dead Festival in Acaxochitlán Magic Town, after the festival acts were unveiled and formally inaugurated in this municipality this Thursday evening, October 31.
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Surrounded by multiple catrinas in different styles and made with different materials, whether cardboard, wire, paper mache, among others, The Giant Catrina rests on one of the palms that decorate the esplanade of the city seat, so that the leaves of this tree look like a hat. In addition to this natural accessory, the bony from Acaxochitlán wears one a crown of flowers on her head, as well as floral details around her eye sockets.
His face has fretwork like a skull in white and purple tones, and then it goes down a spine that leads to a thorax covered with a transparent lilac blouse, like the typical clothes of the municipality, which goes down some hips covered with a. black dress, where the piece ends. With the arms crossed, Catrina stands next to the memorial letters of Acaxochitlánand behind him there are a few catrinas that overlook the romantic esplanade.
Day of the Dead Tianguis in Acaxochitlán
The main square of this Magical Town also became attractive: there is swelling they made at least five altars and put on by students from the municipality, as well as a gastronomic exhibition by traditional cooks and indigenous tourist groups. All of this is catered for along with the flea market Day of the Deadother colorful shows where the locals offer a wide range of original products.
Set up on the streets around the parish each, in this market you can buy live chickens and turkeys, to prepare them in broth or mole; a variety of vegetables and fruits, anafres, pots, tamale leaves, corn, dough for mole, sweets, cane, sweet potatoes, as well as pieces of bread, not only dead, but also the specialty of the region: crossed bread.
Crossed bread, the specialty of the region
With golden colors and a sweet taste, very similar in appearance to a heart, this ancient bread is even more common in Acaxochitlán than the traditional of death, since it is linked to indigenous beliefs.
“It’s made from wheat flour, sugar, salt, water, lard, vegetable shortening and yeast. When it is 100 percent traditional, it is cooked in a wood oven.
Although this type of bread (at least in appearance) is commonly used in the region Sierra Oriental Hidalgo and Sierra Norte Puebla, it is in the municipality of Acaxochitlán, Hidalgo where she has achieved the greatest strength,” says Arturo Castelán Zacatenco, the chronicler of that district.
This popularity cannot be denied, since It is estimated that 600 thousand pieces of this type of bread will have been sold by the end of the season in Acaxochitlán only, made in approx 10 bakeriess in the municipal site as well as eight others located in the surrounding communities.
“The origin of this bread, as well as the meanings it may have, can be found in the symbolic representation of the mortal remains of our deceased, that is: the bones. Since (…) ceremonial bread implies, in the native vision, the production of dry and hard food like bones, understood as the permanent physical materialization of the deceased. It is in this way that one thinks that the crossed bread, which is deeply rooted in Acaxochiteca culture, represents the bones of the hip or the skull, making it a direct sign of fertility and, in turn, of death.”
Time.news Interview: Celebrating the Day of the Dead Festival in Acaxochitlán
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a festive topic as we dive into the recently inaugurated Day of the Dead Festival in Acaxochitlán, a place rich in culture and tradition. Joining us is Dr. Mariana López, an expert in Mexican cultural heritage. Dr. López, thank you for being here!
Dr. López: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss one of Mexico’s most vibrant celebrations.
Editor: The highlight this year is undoubtedly the Giant Catrina, standing an impressive 10 meters tall. Could you tell us more about the significance of the Catrina in Día de los Muertos celebrations?
Dr. López: Absolutely! The Catrina has become an iconic figure representing death in a humorous and satirical way, reflecting the Mexican attitude towards mortality. The Giant Catrina in Acaxochitlán, adorned with flowers and traditional clothing, symbolizes not only the spirit of the departed but also the local identity and community pride.
Editor: It’s fascinating how the festival incorporates various artistic interpretations of Catrinas made from different materials. How do these portrayals contribute to the festival’s atmosphere?
Dr. López: Each Catrina, whether crafted from cardboard, wire, or paper mache, tells its own story. The diversity in styles emphasizes creativity and the collective effort of the community. They create a vibrant atmosphere filled with color and artistry, which draws visitors and locals alike into the celebration, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
Editor: The festival also features altars put up by local students and a gastronomic exhibition. How important is the culinary aspect in these celebrations?
Dr. López: Food is a fundamental part of Día de los Muertos. It serves as an offering to the deceased and is central to family gatherings during the celebration. In Acaxochitlán, traditional dishes, like mole, alongside local specialties like crossed bread, honor the culinary heritage and allow the community to share their gastronomic culture. The food ties generations together and keeps traditions alive.
Editor: Speaking of crossed bread, can you shed some light on its importance in this region?
Dr. López: Crossed bread is a beloved local specialty that holds symbolic meaning, often associated with mourning but also celebration. Its golden colors and unique preparation make it a festive treat that is shared among families. Eating it during the Day of the Dead reinforces the connections to the past and the memories of loved ones.
Editor: There’s also a flea market providing a variety of traditional products. What role do these markets play in the festival’s ecosystem?
Dr. López: The flea market is crucial for promoting local artisans and traditional products. By buying from these markets, visitors support the local economy while experiencing the authentic culture of Acaxochitlán. It creates an engaging environment, where shopping turns into an exploration of culture, history, and community spirit.
Editor: Dr. López, thank you for sharing your insights into the Day of the Dead Festival in Acaxochitlán. It sounds like a beautiful celebration filled with homage, artistry, and community spirit.
Dr. López: It truly is! I encourage everyone to participate in these traditions; they are a unique way to connect with the past while celebrating life and culture.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. López, for enlightening us today. For those interested in experiencing this vibrant festival, it’s a unique blend of honor and joy that shouldn’t be missed.
Dr. López: Thank you! Hope to see you at the festival!