Day of the dead and “ofrendas” in Mexico
In Mexico, November 1st and 2nd are special dates, since one of the most beautiful traditions of our country takes place.
Death is one of the basic elements of the pre-Hispanic culture, when someone passed to a second plane his relatives organized a party to accompany and guide him on his journey to the Mictlan, the place of the dead or place of eternal rest.
The Day of the Dead is a date to commemorate and welcome back the souls of the dead, and offerings are an important part of this tradition.
Through the altars or ofrendas, the souls of those who have gone before us return home to nourish themselves with the essence of the foods they most enjoyed in life.
The elements that cannot be missing from an altar are:
- Cempasúchil flower and candles: This help to create a path and facilitate the return of our loved ones.
- Incense or copal: In addition to being another element of guidance through the aroma, it cleanses the place of evil spirits.
- Salt: As an element of purification.
- Water: It is part of the 4 elements (water, fire, earth, and air) in addition to representing purity.
- Papel Picado: To give color, and joy and represent the air.
- Pan de Muerto: One of the most characteristic elements and symbolizes fraternity.
- Calaveritas: Sugar or chocolate candies representing death.
- Photograph or portrait.
- Valuable objects for the deceased.
The celebration is mainly divided into two days, November 1st dedicated to all the saints, i.e. the deceased children, and November 2nd for the faithful departed, the adults.
During these dates, it’s part of the tradition to go to the graves and decorate them with flowers or altars on the tombstones.
According to the National Commission of Heritage, Culture, and Tourism, more than 40 indigenous groups, which exceed 6 million people, currently hold rituals associated with this celebration.
