Day of the Dead It is one of the most emblematic celebrations of Mexican culture and one of those that most characterizes our country abroad, but beyond causing admiration, some countries, especially the United States, countries in Central and South America and others such as the Philippines and Haiti transfers this tradition to its domains.
United States and the Latin community
Although in the United States the celebration par excellence is Halloween (coming from the pagan customs practiced in Ireland), the Latin communities that have established themselves, especially in border cities, have also migrated some customs and celebrations, including the Day of the Dead.
Without fighting with the North American custom of asking for sweets on October 31, Mexican families who live on the other side of the border, replicate, in the privacy of their homes, the tradition of the offering, pumpkin candy and bread of the dead. (perhaps homemade), but recently and especially after the incursion of Disney On the subject with films like Coco and The Tree of Life, the Day of the Dead has moved into public life in the United States.
Since the 1970s, there have been records of murals alluding to the Day of the Dead in the streets of California, created by Chicano artists; Today, in cities with large populations of Mexicans such as Chicago, Los Angeles and San Antonio (to name a few) there are parades, exhibitions, mega-offrendas and street fairs in which many Americans seek to participate.
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Central and South America
Identified as a tradition exclusive to Mexico, you would be surprised to know that several countries in Central and South America also celebrate the Day of the Dead with rituals and symbolism very similar to ours.
El Salvador
In El Salvador The Calabiuza Festival is celebrated on November 1, where people dress up as skulls and local mythological beings and walk through the streets of Tonacatepeque asking for ayote (pumpkin with honey).
The calabiuza is a dry, perforated nose that simulates the eyes, nose and mouth, with a lit candle inside that is placed on the street to show the deceased saints the path they must take to get to their home,” describes the official site of Salvadoran tradition.
Guatemala
In Guatemala, exactly in the town of Santiago Sacatepéquez, there is also a celebration, on November 1 and 2, called the Giant Kite Festival, whose tradition consists of writing messages addressed to the deceased with the belief that when they rise A communication channel is created between the spiritual world and the earthly world through which they can receive them.
Bolivia and Andean regions of Argentina
In these areas of America we can find similarities with the Mexican tradition regarding the consumption of bread of the dead.
The tantawawas or guaguas are the typical bread of the dead that is consumed in those regions of the world during the festivities of All Saints’ Day, they are characterized by their anthropomorphic shape and their decoration with colorful faces, making them an essential element in the assembly of their offerings.
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Filipinas
In this country, the celebration of the Day of the Dead is called “Day of the Dead” or “Undas.” With its differences from the Mexican holiday, for Filipinos the tradition focuses on visiting cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves, place candles and say prayers to honor their deceased loved ones.
Haiti
A different but significant celebration is what happens on November 1 and 2 in Haiti. Unlike Mexican traditions that are more deeply rooted in Catholicism, Haitians believe that the dead return to life on those days in the form of spirits called “Gede.”
Its celebration consists of dance, music, offerings of food, alcohol (rum) in ceremonies and processions full of meanings such as the connection between the world of the dead and the living.
Related
Engaging Interview: Time.news Editor Interviews Cultural Expert on the Day of the Dead
[Time.news Editor]: Good day, everyone! Today, we have a fascinating guest with us, Dr. Elena Morales, an expert in Mexican culture and a passionate advocate for the traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Morales!
[Dr. Elena Morales]: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
[Editor]: The Day of the Dead is such a rich and colorful celebration, not just in Mexico but also across various countries. Can you explain what makes it so emblematic of Mexican culture?
[Dr. Morales]: Absolutely! The Day of the Dead, or “Día de los Muertos,” is a joyful celebration that honors deceased loved ones. It’s culturally significant because it blends indigenous traditions with Spanish influences. The holiday allows families to remember those who have passed, and it emphasizes the belief that death is not an end but a continuation of the journey, where spirits return to celebrate with the living.
[Editor]: I find it intriguing how this celebration has transcended borders. Can you shed some light on how it has been embraced in the United States, particularly in Latin communities?
[Dr. Morales]: Certainly! In the U.S., particularly in border cities like Los Angeles and San Antonio, the Latin communities have maintained this vibrant tradition. While Halloween is widely celebrated, many Mexican-American families replicate the Day of the Dead customs in their homes. This includes creating altars, or “ofrendas,” with offerings like sugar skulls, marigolds, and Pan de Muerto, which blend beautifully into the North American context.
[Editor]: It seems that pop culture has also played a role in popularizing the Day of the Dead in the U.S. with films like “Coco.” What impact do you think this has had?
[Dr. Morales]: That’s a great point! Movies like “Coco” have introduced the Day of the Dead to a broader audience, fostering appreciation and respect for the tradition. They’ve inspired public participation and celebration that goes beyond the Latin community. In many cities now, you see parades and street fairs where people from all backgrounds come together to honor this beautiful tradition.
[Editor]: Speaking of cultural exchange, are there similar celebrations in Central and South America that you think deserve recognition?
[Dr. Morales]: Absolutely! Other countries, such as El Salvador and Guatemala, have their unique celebrations tied to the Day of the Dead. In El Salvador, for instance, they have the Calabiuza Festival, where participants dress as skulls and walk the streets, while in Guatemala, there’s the Giant Kite Festival, where kites are flown to communicate with the spirits. Each of these traditions shares common themes of honoring and celebrating the deceased, but they also reflect local customs and beliefs.
[Editor]: How can those unfamiliar with these traditions start to appreciate them?
[Dr. Morales]: Education is key! I encourage people to learn about the meaning behind the symbols and practices, perhaps by participating in local celebrations or visiting community events. And, of course, sharing stories about loved ones is at the heart of the Day of the Dead. It’s a beautiful way to understand the cultural significance and personal connections people have with this extraordinary celebration.
[Editor]: Thank you, Dr. Morales, for sharing your insights. The Day of the Dead, with its rich tapestry of traditions, truly highlights the beauty of cultural diversity and the significance of remembering those who came before us.
[Dr. Morales]: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this vibrant celebration.
[Editor]: And to our viewers, we hope you feel inspired to learn more about the Day of the Dead and perhaps incorporate some elements into your own traditions. Remember, that’s where the beauty of culture lies—in the sharing and remembrance. Until next time!