in mexico what do people do on day of the dead?
On Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), people in Mexico honor and remember their deceased loved ones by following various traditions and customs. Some of the key activities they do include:
1. Building ofrendas (altars): Families create colorful and elaborate altars in their homes or at cemeteries in honor of their deceased relatives. These altars are decorated with items that hold significance to the departed, such as their favorite food, drinks, and personal belongings.
2. Marigold flowers: Marigolds are the traditional flowers used during Day of the Dead to represent the fragility of life. They decorate altars and graves with marigolds to guide the spirits of the deceased back to the world of the living.
3. Sugar skulls: One of the most recognizable symbols of the Day of the Dead, sugar skulls are often brightly colored and decorated with ornate designs. They represent the deceased and are placed on the altars as offerings.
4. Visiting cemeteries: Family members often spend time at the cemetery where their loved ones are buried, cleaning and decorating their graves with flowers, candles, and other items. It is also common for people to hold a vigil into the night, sharing stories, and praying for the deceased.
5. Sharing food and drinks: Traditional food and drinks such as "pan de muerto" (bread of the dead) and "atole" (a warm corn-based beverage) are prepared and shared among family and friends, often given as offerings on the altars.
6. Processions and parades: In some regions, people participate in public processions, parades, or street parties, wearing traditional costumes or face paint resembling skulls. These events celebrate the lives of the deceased and the connections between the living and the dead.
7. Music and dance: Songs and dances play an important role in Day of the Dead celebrations. Many areas have traditional music and dance performances to honor the deceased and celebrate the cycle of life and death.
Overall, Day of the Dead is a time for families to come together, remember their deceased loved ones, and cherish the time they had together. The holiday is celebrated with a mix of joy, color, and reverence, maintaining a balance between the acknowledgment of death and the celebration of life.