Day of the Dead–It’s a Celebration!

Around Halloween, an image we see with more frequency in the U.S. are of people with intricately, colorful painted skulls on their face and vibrant costumes. It is related to a Mexican tradition, a celebration called Dia de los Muertos, “The Day of the Dead”. Each year the images grow in popularity and this year we noticed an explosion of artistic exhibits related to this mixture of spooky and colorful display. Given the great response to our Instagram post, I wanted to write this blog post to share the history in more detail. In addition I have shared several exquisite designs to showcase the beautiful artistry it has elevated to today.
Dia de los Muertos is not a Mexican version of Halloween, although it is celebrated on November 1 and 2. Originally celebrated in August it was changed to coincide with the Western Christian triduum of All Saints Eve (Oct 31), All Saints Day (Nov 1) and All Souls Day (Nov 2) and the fall maize harvest. The modern day version of Day of the Dead dates back hundreds of years to an Aztec festival practiced by indigenous people of central and south Mexico and fused with European Christianity. However the act of celebrating the dead goes back 2500 to 3000 years ago during pre-Columbian era. It was not until the 21st century when northern Mexico adopted the tradition and the president of Mexico then declared it a national holiday.
While the theme is death, the Day of the Dead is an event unfolding over two days in an explosion of color and life-affirming joy. Friends and family prepare and awaken the dead spirits in celebration of their life. What a wonderful way to remember and honor our beloved deceased rather than a somber reunion.
DAY ONE, THE PREPARATIONS

Designer Jessica Resendiz creates this headpiece for Dia de los Muertos using baked bread and butterflies as symbolic adornments.
Hasta en el Velorio, Las Penas con Pan son Menos
In the images above and below, Mexican designer Jessica Resendiz cleverly incorporates pan de muerto into a headpiece. Jessica shares she was celebrating her grandmother who passed away last year. She also added a butterfly after she encountered many of them since her grandmother’s passing. Deeply moved by the symbolism, she felt it was necessary to add it to her design and garb. The skill and talent is incredible. Clearly this is highly artistic and one of our favorites.

Jessica Resendiz remembers and celebrates her deceased grandmother with this elaborate artistic headpiece and garb
In Mexico today where this celebration is practiced for generations, the designs and costumes will not be as elaborate. These are small towns and families with limited resources but nonetheless they practice with the utmost devotion, energy and creativity.

“Catrinas” pose in Mérida, Mexico for Dia de los Muertos
Cleaning the Cemetery & Decorating Graves
Another part of the preparation, a Dia de los Muertos tradition is to clean up the cemetery by removing weeds, clearing it of any rubbish and beautifying tombstones.
Adult graves are marked with yellow marigolds while a child’s grave is beautified with white orchids.

Cleaning the cemetery and decorating tombstones in preparation for Dia de los Muertos
DAY TWO, November 2, THE CELEBRATION
Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls)

Hand made sugar skulls
Hence the image we see now in the commercialization of this tradition is variations of this colorful clipart.

A colorful skull-a common symbol for Dia de los Muertos
Historians agree, it was not until 50 years ago that sweet candies were purchased or used to celebrate Halloween or All Soul’s Day.

Originally designed by Jose Guadalupe Posada
In 1947 Mexican artist Diego Rivera added color to Catrina, thus awakening her spirit. Today the Calavera Catrina, or elegant skull, is the Day the Dead’s most ubiquitous symbol.

Calavera Catrina colorized by Mexican artist Diego Rivera

Visual artist Francisco Parraguirre dressed as Calavera Catrina
UNESCO Recognizes the Cultural Holiday

Francisco Parraguirre from @catrinadivinaofficial on Instagram
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed writing this post for various reasons. First it allowed me to present the Mexican culture which is not a dominate one in Miami as it is in Texas, Arizona or California. A lovely change of pace from our tours which focus mostly on the Cuban culture. Second, I loved scrolling through pages of images. At one point I prepared margaritas and toasted corn to continue watching and enjoying the show. A single photo with the magnificent details tell a story–about the artist, or the deceased, or the living relative. This was better than going to the movies. A modern day fusion of e-galleries and movie storytelling all in one sitting. I hope you enjoyed reading this post and perhaps learned something new.
Mexican Population in Miami
While Miami is home to all Hispanic groups, the Mexican and Mexican American population accounts for the smallest group, only 60,000 in Miami Dade County, or 2.14% of the total population. While Hispanics accounts for 70% of the total county population, Mexicans account for 3.061% of Hispanics in Miami Dade according to a 2020 Census forecast.