Día de Muertos

(Mesilla NM)
Went to the annual Día de Muertos celebration on the plaza. Held around the date of All Saints Day, it’s a special time to honor family and loved ones that have passed away.

Día de Muertos Poster

Activities can be both solemn and festive. Music, dancing, skits and stories about the deceased, personalized family altars, prayers, marigolds, lighting candles and incense, costumes, special foods and drinks, and a  procession to the cemetery all serve to highlight the lives and memories of the dearly departed.

Family Altar
Another Family Shrine

We were given a small sample of a traditional sweet egg bread (pan de muerto). Small skulls made from sugar or chocolate (calaveras), and tamales are also popular.

Dance of the Dead
Skit about Dead Women Soldiers

The holiday originated with ancient Mexican natives, and was only held in central and southern Mexico. Today, it is pretty much a world wide day of remembrance.

Costumed Visitors Posing at an Altar
Procession to Cemetery with Candles

I took the time to remember my family who have all passed on to the spirit world. Sharing the experience with friends, other families and the community gave a new perspective to my introspections.

Camp: Friend’s Place
Scene: Plaza, shrines, cemetery

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4 Responses to Día de Muertos

  1. Pat Gearsbeck December 26, 2019 at 2:24 pm #

    Good read and photos!

    • Pleinguy December 30, 2019 at 6:16 pm #

      Thanks. Glad you liked it.

  2. Bradford D Harris January 5, 2020 at 6:18 am #

    Cool post, Pleinguy! I like the celebration of life for the departed. I had to chuckle at the name “pan de muerto” (bread of the dead) Cute name! The small chocolate or sugar skulls would be something I might pass on but the tamales sound delightful.

    Thanks for sharing the photos and information. It sounds like a fascinating event to visit. Take care!

    • Pleinguy January 5, 2020 at 10:05 am #

      It surely was fascinating. Bringing to mind and honoring lost loved ones makes you focus on what really matters.

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