Mexican Day of the Dead is a time when deceased loved ones are honoured in Mexico. The festivities may remind you of the “Memorial Day” in the US. But, contrary to our way of honouring the deceased where the death is seen as the end of life, it is the beginning of a new existence in Mexico. For them, when someone dies, the soul is transported into another world. In November 1st and 2nd, the deceased ancestors come back to the earth, to be with their loved ones for some time. People generally refer to it as Day of the Dead http://mslrdiadelosmuertos.com/, meaning the 3-day celebration; October 31st, November 1st and 2nd. However, if you are a US citizen, it may not be possible for you to go to Mexico to be a part of the celebrations. The following observations would be of help if you are someone searching for information in the matter.

Celebrating Mexican Day of the Dead

As mentioned above, Mexican Day of the Dead honors the deceased ancestors. The sights and sounds may appear scaring for a first-time visitor. But, the fear lasts only until such a time that you are able to see how excited the residents are to welcome home their dead ancestors. According to them, death is the part of a cycle. When you die, your soul is guided to another world. And, you are allowed two days on earth, in the month of November, on 1st and 2nd. Celebrating the same in the US may appear to be a bit time-consuming. You may have to search a lot for the appliances you need. Still, it is not impossible.

1. Build an altar

Begin your festivities by building an altar for the one you wish to honor. Decorate it with flowers, your loved one’s favourite foods and drinks and trinkets. You should also place a framed photograph of the one you remember. Spend time here remembering the fond moments you spent with the departed soul. Writing small satire-like poems describing his/her embarrassing moments would add up to the enjoyment.

2. Visit the graves

Visit the graves of your loved ones. Decorate them and clean the area. The decorations can be done in the same way as you did on the altar. Do not forget to place marigold flowers. These are considered to be the guides assigned for the spirits to come back to earth. If you are in the US, visiting graveyards may not be possible. They remain closed in the evenings. Remembering the deceased in the altar itself would do in such an instance. When you go out, keep blankets and mattresses for the deceased at home so that they can take rest at the end of a long journey. Keeping foods and drinks too for them to enjoy is a must.

3. Prepare a grand dinner

Prepare a sumptuous dinner both for your family and for the deceased. Know that this is a time to enjoy; your loved ones are coming to visit you. Let them have an exciting time with you!

The rituals may vary from State to State in Mexico. While some prefer the public aspect of the celebration, some regions prefer to be personal in welcoming their ancestors.

Despite all the differences you may see, the message of Mexican Day of the Dead http://mslrdiadelosmuertos.com/ is clear; death is to be celebrated! Get info on this year event at Oceanside, CA at http://mslrdiadelosmuertos.com/

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Contact Person: Maureen Sullivan
E-mail: [email protected]
Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia
Address: 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92057
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Website: http://mslrdiadelosmuertos.com/