The Day of the Dead is not the Mexican version of Halloween. It is a Mexican celebration to honor, respect, value and remember the memory of our loved ones who have passed away.
The Day of the Dead is a fusion of a 3,000-year-old pagan Aztec celebration and Roman Catholicism's All Saints' Day. Catholics unsuccessfully tried to eradicate the Aztec tradition, so they moved All Saints' Day to coincide with the Aztec celebration and merge the two cultures.
The Day of the Dead is a time when the souls of the deceased are invited back to the world of the living to reunite with their loved ones. It is like a big family reunion, where families get together, cook, sing, and talk about those members who are no longer with us. When there is no one left in the world of the living to remember you, the final death occurs.
The three key elements of the Day of the Dead are the cempasúchil, the offerings and the altars.
MARIGOLD : With their strong aroma and vibrant color, these flowers guide souls from the cemetery to the family home.
ALTARS : Multi-level structures where offerings are placed, symbolizing the connection between earth and heaven (some purists make them seven-level). These altars are typically placed in homes.
OFFERINGS : Should include a photo of the loved one, candles to guide the souls, food, flowers, papel picado (a tradition that comes from the Aztecs), salt, water, drinks, and things that the loved one liked in life.
These are the traditional elements, but there are also modern additions such as:
Pan de muerto : A Mexican bread available only at this time of year.
Sugar Skulls : You can buy these with your name on them.
Monarch butterflies : They are related to the holiday because their migration reaches Mexico around this time.
Literary Skulls : Mexican poetry that, with humor, criticizes the living and reminds them that they are going to die.
Catrinas : They have become the symbol of the celebration, with their colorful dresses, elegant hats and feather boas. Even James Bond, in the movie Spectre , participated in a Day of the Dead parade (and from that year on, it became a tradition in Mexico). However, it was initially a political satire for people who despised their indigenous roots and tried to appear wealthy and privileged.
Mexicans, instead of fearing the dead, embrace them as part of the cycle of life in a beautiful celebration of death, life and love.
As is tradition, Cheekwood hosts a two-day Day of the Dead festival on November 2 and 3, featuring altars, ofrendas, Tennessee Catrinas, food, must-see performances, and much, much more.
This year in Nashville, the Day of the Dead has gotten a lot more attention, with a beautiful presentation by the Nashville Ballet inspired by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Choreographed by NB2 director Maria Konrad, this visual feast celebrates life and death, family ties, and our shared humanity. With a dynamic pace, the show ignites the imagination of all ages through colorful costumes, soulful music, and pure joy.
TPAC also did its part with the Marigold Festival and the staging of SUGAR SKULL! A Day of the Dead Musical Adventure , a lively and colorful celebration for the whole family! Vita Flores, 12, went on a musical and magical journey to discover the true essence of the Day of the Dead.
The Nashville Symphony also had an event dedicated to the Day of the Dead, conducted by Pablo Zamora Mata and accompanied by the Sol de México Folkloric Ballet, Andrea Hernández and René Millán, just to name a few.
And you, how are you going to celebrate it?
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