Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Dia de los Muertos
The Beautiful Traditions of Dia de los Muertos
When it comes to Mexican traditions, there are few that are bigger than Dia de los Muertos, or better known as Day of the Dead.
Dia de los Muertos is a mexican holiday in which families gather to celebrate the dead. The idea is to celebrate their passing rather than to mourn, while also paying respects and memory to those that are no longer with us. While many countries throughout Latin America celebrate the holiday, it’s a tradition most closely associated with Mexico, the country in which the festival originated.
As the day quickly approaches, there are plenty of ways to partake in this festive mexican tradition but before you do, make sure you’re prepared with these facts about Dia de Los Muertos.
1. Dia is Actually Dias
Dias de los Muertos begins on November 1st, which is Dia de los Inocentes, a day honoring the children that have passed and continues through November 2nd.
2. The Holiday Combines Aztec Rituals with Catholicism
Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on the same day as two Catholic calendar holidays, All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
3. The Best Way to Celebrate is With Food, Drink, and Activities
As are most celebrations, but tradition for the festival is to eat, drink and be merry. Gather with your closest loved ones to enjoy hobbies and activities the deceased once loved.
4. The Dead Come to Life
During the two-day festival, the dead rise again to celebrate life and death with their friends and family.
5. Catrinas and Calacas Shape the Holiday
Calacas or Catrinas are some of the most identifiable symbols of the festival. Calacas or Catrinas are the skeleton figures you see depicted in art as enjoying good times with friends and family and often in a fancy environment and garb.
6. Sweets and Treats Reign Supreme
It’s true. One of the most delicious Mexican snacks you could enjoy are pan de muerto (“bread of the dead”) and conchas. Conchas are a sweet pastry that are typically eaten for breakfast but tend to be a favorite during the two day festival.
7. Respects Are Paid in Two Important Ways
Tradition calls for gathering at the deceased grave site where friends and family clean and decorate the grave site to show respect to their passed loved ones. Alters are also created and decorated with catrinas and ofrendas (offerings) are made to the dead to encourage them to return home.
8. Cempasúchiles Are a Guiding Light
Better known as Mexican Marigolds or Flor de Muerto, are one of many offerings made to the dead and are said to help guide the soul back to their families. The golden flower’s color has been said to guide their soul to us.
9. Mexican Hot Chocolate is Always a Hit
Again, sweets are one of the most beloved traditions to enjoy during Dias de los Muertos and Mexican Hot Chocolate is no stranger to that. What makes Mexican Hot Chocolate different you ask? Adding vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and chocolate chips are what makes this beverage extra delicious and extra special.
10.Los Tarascos is Hosting a Celebration
If you were scrambling to figure out where you were going to partake in the festivities, worry not. Los Tarascos Mexican Restaurant will be hosting a Dia de los Muertos event in house on Thursday November 2nd from 6:00pm until 9:00pm. Not only will there be plenty of catrinas but there will also be plenty of conchas, mexican hot chocolate, and delicious mexican cuisine will be served as well. Oh, and don’t forget about the tequila and world-class fresh margs too.
Come Celebrate at Your Favorite Mexican Restaurant in Fort Collins
Dia de los Muertos is celebration full of love, beauty, and joy. Why not spend the holiday at your favorite Mexican restaurant in Fort Collins? Not only will the food be delicious, but the traditions are authentic and it’s the closest thing you can get to the festival in our little corner of the world. Tables are filling up fast so be sure to come in early!
