Celebrate The Day of The Dead In Merida
Celebrating the day of the dead in Merida
America has Halloween but Mexico has Day of the Dead. The biggest celebration in Mexico, the Day of the Dead, takes place from October 21 to November 2 this year. To experience this tradition in full volume, it’s best to visit Mexico. Merida, capital of the Yucatan state, is hailed not only as the “White City,” but also as the safest city in Mexico due to its low crime rates, and has its own unique take on this vibrant celebration.
What is the Day of the Dead all about?
It’s a family affair and is all about celebrating loved ones who no longer share this life with us. It is believed that during these couple of days, their souls can pass more easily between this world and the afterlife. To facilitate this, altars are set up. For the children (Dia de Los Innocentes) the first day and then the following day for adults. Altars are decorated with items such as orange marigold flowers, painted or sugar skulls, food, and crucifixes. The altar is then personalized with a picture of the deceased. These altars are most commonly created in the privacy of the family home, but can also be found in cemeteries, on the street, in restaurants, and also in your hotel foyer!
Public festivities in Merida start with a procession of locals carrying ceremonial offerings and makes its way to the General Cemetery, El Paseo de las Almas. People paint their faces and dress up as “Catrinas,” the satirical skeleton woman, lavishly dressed in aristocratic clothing. The following evening, a stage is set up in the main square in front of the cathedral, and a theatrical show keeps the crowds in both fits of laughter and in tears with a tragic comedy. Aside from this main performance, there are live bands and couples dancing in the street.
The Vaqueria Yucateca
This traditional dance performance takes place in the main square and is a mixture of old Mayan songs and Spanish folklore. During the week of celebrations, the dancers will also have their faces painted with skulls. Before the dancing can begin, a Shaman will bless the space with prayers and aromatic incense. Couples dressed in distinctive white ensembles appear through the smoke carrying candles.
Camino de Flores (flower walk)
This small but stunning garden can be found in the Parque de la Mejorada and showcases endemic plants beautifully styled by local artists. This exhibition really weaves life and death together with the glorious plants, full of life, arranged to depict symbols of death.
Mucbipollo Festival
This loud and busy event takes place around San Sebastian. The dish, Mucbipollo, is a type of tamale made from chicken and cornflour, buried under the ground and baked. It is only eaten during the Day of the Dead festival.
Around Merida
As the Day of the Dead celebrations takes place in the evening, daytimes are free to explore the surrounding areas, which include ancient Mayan ruins, cenotes, the National Park of Celestun and some great art galleries.