By 
Día de Muertos was celebrated in Mexico even before the arrival of the Spanish explorers. Today, this is a Christian celebration that combines the pre-Hispanic culture with the Catholic religion, allowing the Mexicans to keep alive the memory of those who already left this world. It mixes the contrasting feelings of the pain of loss in loosing a loved one with a colorful celebration of their life lived.
Celebrations start with Dia de todos los Santos (All Saints Day) on November 1st, a day dedicated to those souls who died as children, together with saints. It concludes on November 2nd, with the actual Day of the Dead.
People generally go to the cemeteries and bring flowers (marigolds being the most popular, known as flower of death), many people congregate around their family’s gravestones the night of the 1st and build altars honoring the departed, which include their favorite foods and drink, belongings, pictures of the person while he was alive, water for the long trip, candles to illuminate their way, a crucifix and incense of “copal” that symbolizes the passing from life to afterlife. All this decorated with colorful papel picado, marigold flowers, “bread of the dead” and little sugar skulls.
Popular belief holds that these altars bring their loved ones back to this earthly world to share some time with their families and friends. Other families – rather than going to the cemetery – prepare these altars or “ofrendas“ at home including some or all of the items mentioned above.
An altar can be built by anyone, and be dedicated to anyone, you don’t need to be Mexican or Catholic to do it, this is a beautiful tradition that for many people represents the opportunity of feeling closer to those who are no longer with us.
Would you like to adopt this beautiful tradition? Start this year creating your own Altar de Muertos dedicated to a good friend of family member who is not longer with you, here the basic elements to include the picture of your loved one, some flowers and candles, the idea is to remember that person with joy and not with sadness, so don’t forget to include bright colors.
For those who happen to be in town, there are a couple of events that you can’t miss:
Altar de los Muertos at Kupuri Punta Mita
This festivity is about to remember those who have left an this year Club Punta Mita is paying tribute to members of our community who have passed away but will remain in our hearts as part of our Punta Mita family: Verónica Monasterio, Mark Gibello, Gary Antonoff and Julianne Houser.
Stop by Kupuri Beach Club to admire this ofrenda that has been setup already.
Altar de los Muertos at PEACE Punta de Mita
Peace Punta de Mita invites us to their annual traditional altar exhibitions, join this celebration of life and let’s remember those who are no longer with us in this world. Altars will be available this Friday, November 1st at 6pm.
Annual Altar de los Muertos at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
Judge the creativity of their different altars featuring the traditional elements that make of these ofrendas so amazing.
Appointment is on Tuesday, November 5th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at their Ballroom Foyer.
Catrinas Fest at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Four Seasons invites you to a fabulous epicurean adventure to experience the traditional Mexican cuisine and cocktails celebrating Día de los Muertos. From November 1st to 3rd, this festival will highlight the best of the Mexican cuisine and cocktails interpreted by the Resort’s culinary team and visiting culinary and beverage creative visionaries. For more information about this event click here.
