Día De Muertos: A Tale of the Dead and the Living in the Yucatán Peninsula
Written by Alex Ruelase
Death can conjure somber thoughts. Inevitably entangled with life itself, the nature of people’s relationship with their own mortality has ever been a central concern of cultures around the world. Different connotations of death may range from tragic to terrifying, but in Mexico, the Day of the Dead is a time of love and joy.
Far from being gloomy or frightening, Día de Muertos is a celebration of life. On this special date, according to popular belief, our deceased loved ones return to our world to visit the living and indulge in the delicious foods and beverages they loved when they were still among us.
Born from the blend of indigenous cosmogonies and catholic rites brought by the Spaniards, Día de Muertos is one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions. Festivities take place all across the country on the 1st and 2nd of November when families make altars beautifully decorated with petals of cempasuchil flower, skull-shaped candy, colored paper, skull-shaped candy, candles, and pictures of their late relatives.
Cemeteries bust with life, laughter, and music. Mariachi play among copal smoke as families sing the favorite tunes of their dead. Others gather around the graves of their kin to share pan de muerto -a seasonal delicacy- and traditional Mexican dishes, typically the favorite of the guests of honor.
Every region in Mexico has a distinct way of observing this fascinating tradition, and one of the most unique belongs to the Yucatán Peninsula. Different from the rest of the country, the Maya region carries out a three-day celebration that begins on October 31st and where each day has a unique meaning and purpose. The first is dedicated to honoring children; the second, to adults. On the third day, a religious service commemorates the deceased and grants their souls safe passage back to their resting places.
The stellar act of the regional celebration is the Hanal Pixan, a Maya term best translated as “meal for the spirits”. This local variant of the traditional altar, set as a dining table and built outdoors, combines some of the same elements used in the rest of the country, such as photographs and candles, but integrates an astounding display of local gastronomy. The banquet includes mucbipollos, a special kind of tamal prepared underground; atole, a typical corn-based beverage; xec, a combination of citrus fruits and chili, and papaya sweets.
Visiting the Riviera Maya and the rest of the Peninsula on these dates is a real privilege. Whether you decide to go south to beautiful Bacalar or north to the charming towns of Yucatán -Valladolid is 100 km north-west of Tulum and well worth a visit- having a camera with you is a must. The streets fill with lights and colors, while the main squares get dressed in vibrant decorations and become stages for traditional dances and parades.
Día de Muertos is a celebration for everyone, the dead and the living. Food, music, and happiness are to be shared among all, as is the privilege of being reunited with those we love, even if just in spirit. The Day of the Dead is an intimate part of Mexican culture and part of humanity's heritage. It is the experience of a lifetime and a great reminder to enjoy it to the fullest because, indeed, we have but one.
