(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.
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/79DE7FCC-69BA-4E69-A111-A256DDDE12D4-340x500.jpeg)
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.
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2C7E5A04-89FD-43D5-B823-ADD4FAEA5B22-367x500.jpeg)
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/CD411DC8-9956-425D-B75B-CE9CD4DE566F-500x360.jpeg)
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.
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/322D74A7-7E42-4B97-9FD8-9F65A5A092EA-500x360.jpeg)
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/F7C96491-9C8A-4650-97C3-96DB11B46062-500x331.jpeg)
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.
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/3C151C2E-7630-4A69-BB80-F70A82650A88-368x500.jpeg)
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/93228AF7-14CD-4D6D-B32C-FE5029F1A2FF-500x357.jpeg)
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
Good read and photos!
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
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!
It surely was fascinating. Bringing to mind and honoring lost loved ones makes you focus on what really matters.