The head of Government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada Molinalaunched on the afternoon of this Saturday, November 2, the Grand Day of the Dead Parade 2024, from the Puerta de los Leones, in Chapultepec, which is expected to last five hours to the capital’s Zócalo.
In his message, Brugada welcomed people who visit Mexico City, whether from the states or outside the country, for the Day of the Dead celebrations.
This day, Mexico City welcomes you with open arms. Here, in Mexico City and throughout the country, we follow the ancient tradition of receiving our dead, a tradition in which the souls of the deceased return on these days to live with the family, to taste the food they liked the most. , to share the bread of the dead, the president mentioned.
Here we not only remember the dead, our loved ones, but we also celebrate them, that’s why the great party, the joy of receiving our deceased, said Brugada, dressed in white and with floral arrangements on her head.
For Mexicans, the head of Government continued, death is not the end, but part of the journey. A path not only going, but also returning, and every year the dead return from Mictlán, to our city and to our homes.
Clara Brugada pointed out that during the celebration of the Day of the Dead, the entire city lights up, the town squares become living offerings, full of color and light, of joy, where flowers and copal, the bread of dead.
In central Mexico we celebrate our dead with this great parade, which condenses the cultural wealth of the country, here with this parade we celebrate that the celebration of the Day of the Dead is considered a World Cultural Heritage, he explained.
So the CDMXis a city open to the world, said Brugada, sister of the great towns of America.
“From the heart of this great City of Mexico, I invite you to follow this great parade that is celebrated year after year, intense work is done, so that more than 6 thousand people work to bring beautiful floats and culture to the main streets of Mexico. the capital,” said the head of government.
The route of the “Great Day of the Dead Parade 2024” begins on Paseo de la Reforma, advancing along Juárez Avenue and the Lázaro Cárdenas Central Axis until concluding in the capital’s Zócalo, where a high influx of visitors is expected.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Day of the Dead Expert
Editor (E): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. It’s an exciting time for Mexico City as it prepares for the Grand Day of the Dead Parade 2024. I’m here with Dr. Gabriela Martinez, an expert in Mexican cultural traditions and a researcher of the Day of the Dead. Dr. Martinez, can you tell us how the Day of the Dead has evolved in recent years, especially with events like this parade?
Dr. Martinez (D): Good afternoon! Yes, it’s remarkable to see how the Day of the Dead has grown in visibility and participation, both domestically and internationally. The Grand Day of the Dead Parade showcases not only the traditions associated with this celebration but also the cultural richness of Mexico. In recent years, especially after being recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, there has been a concerted effort to promote these traditions, making them more accessible and engaging.
E: Clara Brugada Molina, the head of the Government of Mexico City, mentioned welcoming visitors from all over. How important is that aspect of community and participation in the Day of the Dead festivities?
D: It’s absolutely crucial! The Day of the Dead is fundamentally about honoring and remembering those who have passed, but it’s also a time for community and family. By inviting people from all over, it reinforces the idea that this tradition is inclusive. Visitors contribute to the vibrancy of the celebration and, in turn, learn about the profound meanings behind it — such as the symbolism of the altars, the marigolds, and the food that is prepared.
E: Speaking of food, Brugada highlighted the significance of sharing favorite dishes with the deceased. Can you elaborate on that?
D: Certainly! The favorite foods of the deceased are prepared as offerings — this practice is about remembrance and connection. The concept is that the souls return to enjoy the flavors they loved in life, ensuring they feel welcomed. Traditional items like “pan de muerto” and sugar skulls are not just treats; they carry deep meaning associated with life and death, making the act of sharing them a symbolic gesture of love and memory.
E: The parade itself is set to stretch five hours long. With such a length and the grandeur of the event, how do you see it impacting future generations and the continuation of these traditions?
D: The length and scale of the parade reflect the immense pride Mexicans have in their culture. For future generations, participating in a vibrant event like this leaves a lasting impression and fosters a sense of identity. It intertwines the elements of joy, reverence, and tradition, encouraging young people to embrace and pass on these customs. Moreover, it inspires creative interpretations as newer generations find their unique expressions of the Day of the Dead.
E: That’s a fascinating perspective. Lastly, what do you think is the most crucial takeaway for attendees, especially those experiencing the Day of the Dead for the first time?
D: The most important takeaway is to embrace the concept of memory. The Day of the Dead is not just about mourning; it’s a celebration of life and an acknowledgment of the bond we share with our loved ones who have passed away. For first-time attendees, I would encourage them to engage with the altars, ask questions, and perhaps even create their offerings. It’s a beautiful way to connect with the culture and honor those who came before us.
E: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for sharing your insights on this profound and vibrant celebration. It’s sure to be a remarkable experience for everyone involved.
D: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how this year’s celebrations unfold.