Dia De Los Muertos

November 2nd is Dia De Los Muertos or Day of The Dead. This Mexican holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. Although this is traditionally celebrated in Mexico, where it is a National Holiday, Here in Tucson it has been a popular celebration since 1990 when our annual All Soul's Procession started.
This procession is held on 4th ave and downtown. It is quite the scene! The event combines elements of traditional Day of the Dead celebrations with those of pagan harvest festivals. People wearing masks carry signs honoring the dead and an urn in which people can place slips of paper with prayers on them to be burned.
There are many beliefs, symbols, and traditions for this holiday. People visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried to be with the souls of the departed. They build private altars containing favorite foods, beverages, photos and other memorabilia of the deceased. The intent is to encourage their loved ones souls to visit and hear the prayers and comments for them. They hold picnics at the grave sites and decorate the grave with Marigolds and skulls. A common symbol of the holiday is the skull which celebrants represent in masks, and foods such as sugar or chocolate skulls, which are inscribed with the name of the recipient on the forehead. Sugar skulls are gifts that can be given to both the living and the dead. Marigolds are the traditional flower of the Day of the Dead. They are used to attract the souls of the dead. In Mexico the name Marigold is often replaced with the term " flor de muerto " meaning " Flower of the dead."
The picture above is of Catrinas. She is one of the most popular figures of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. She is traditionally dressed to the nines with an ornate hat and matching gown with a skeleton head. She is usually made out of clay or paper mache.
Some families build altars or small shrines in their homes. Pictures of deceased relatives and other persons, scores of candles, Christian Crosses, and pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary are incorporated in these shrines. Traditionally, families spend some time around the altar, praying and telling anecdotes about the deceased. In some locations, celebrants wear shells on their clothing, so that when they dance, the noise will wake up the dead; some will also dress up as the deceased. Click here for the complete history of Dia De Los Muertos.
If you live here in Tucson and would like to check out the All souls procession downtown it is held on Sunday November 6th on 4th ave. It starts at 6pm on University and 4th ave in front of Epic Cafe. Dress in costume, paint your face or come as you are! There will be many bands and other amazing things to see! If you would like to have a copy of the prayer form to place in the urns for burning click here. Come on down and join in.