The
tradition of Día de Muertos - the day of the dead - is not a mourning festival for the Mexicans, but an occasion to welcome and celebrate their deceased relatives again in the family circle. We experience this unique festival in Oaxaca from the preparations of
the Night of the Dead on October 31st to the end of the celebrations on November 3rd.
In pre-Hispanic times, family members were still part of the community after death and temporarily returned to earth during Día de Muertos. Today's celebrations are also about showing love and respect to the departed family members and welcoming them back to earth after their afterlife journey.
The
centerpiece during the festival is an altar that is erected in families' homes, but also
in cemeteries and public places.
It is decorated with offerings, such as the < strong> Bread of the dead "Pan de Muerto", sugar skulls as well as drinks and food, with which the
deceased can strengthen themselves after the long journey from the afterlife. The orange-colored marigold cempasúchil, which is an important symbol, should not be missing here of the Day of the Dead. . It is for sale along with many other
holiday-made items in colorful Oaxacan markets..
The graves of the relatives are also lovingly
decorated with offerings to receive them there on the night of the dead. Celebrating all hours of the day and night, there are numerous processions through the city, with Mexicans artistically painting their faces and dressing up in Día de Muertos style. The famous skeleton lady La Catrina, who embodies death as a phenomenon that will overtake everyone at some point, is also symbolic of the Day of the Dead.
During our journey we will encounter many Catrina women with detailed and elaborately made-up faces on the streets and cemeteries of Oaxaca.
This trip will immerse you in one of Mexico's oldest traditions!
The history and legend of the CEMPASÚCHIL can be found at the end of the trip description
HIGHLIGHTS
Visit to a traditional Mezcal distillery
Colorful indigenous market bustle
Preparations for the Day of the Dead
Traditional preparation of the Pan de Muerto
Festive Parades in Oaxaca
Visit of magnificently decorated cemeteries
Unique ambience during the night of the dead
Oaxacan Specialties
Visit to indigenous Zapotec villages
Special Day of the Dead - Celebration on November 3rd
Magnificently decorated altars