CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS:
DAY OF THE DEAD
By Aislinn Chapotelle
Originating from early Mexican culture in which the dead were honoured through Mictecacihaltl, or the Lady of the Dead, over a period of a month, the celebration underwent a transition when much of the country converted to Roman Catholicism (Willey, 2016). The Day of the Dead is now celebrated on the calendar dates of November 1, All Saint’s Day and November 2, All Soul’s Day. The purpose is still to honour relatives and friends that have died and also to embrace the reality of one’s own mortality. While different communities throughout Mexico may celebrate in different ways, the celebrations usually families creating their own alters with photos of family members who have passed and the people take to the streets to partake in feasts that includes the bread of the dead, pan de muerto), music and dancing (Willey, 2016).
(The British Museum, 2015)