The Day of the Dead is known as one of the most colorful celebrations in the world. Although this holiday officially takes place on Nov. 2, preparations and festivities begin as early as Oct. 1. The Day of the Dead is an ancient Mexican tradition that is celebrated annually. In Spanish, the celebration is called El Día de Muertos. According to tradition, the souls of deceased loved ones return to earth on these days, and a joyous celebration is organized in honor of their arrival. Despite the similarity in atmosphere and appearances, The Day of the Dead is not the same as Halloween. Both fests do share some characteristics, such as costume and decorations.
The tradition of Día de Muertos originated with ancient Mesoamerican peoples, such as the Maya, Aztec and Purépecha, long before the Spanish colonized Mexico. These cultures believed that death was not the end, but merely a transition to another stage of existence.
November 1 commemorates the souls of deceased children, a day known as Día de los Inocentes or Día de los Angelitos. The following day, Nov. 2, is dedicated to the deceased adults. During this short period, the spirits return to the world of the living to eat, drink, dance and make music with their families.
The bereaved, in turn, take good care of their loved ones from the afterlife. They prepare their favorite dishes and decorate their resting places with flowers, candles and gifts.
An important part of the celebration is the Ofrenda, an altar decorated with personal items, photos and food. This altar can be placed at the grave, or at home if the grave is far away. The goal is to draw souls to this altar so that they know they are welcome.
During the celebration, many people dress up as La Calavera Catrina, the famous symbol of the Day of the Dead. Their faces are painted as colorful skulls or covered with beautiful masks. At Partywinkel you will find a wide range of Day of the Dead masks and makeup for both men and women.
Who wants to dress in the style of Catrina, choose bright colors and striking flowers. Women often wear a large floral hat or a hair accessory with roses. Men usually choose a trilby hat, a narrow, stylish hat that goes well with the theme. These day of the dead accessories can be combined with the rest of the outfit or with that of a partner.
Quant to clothing, the looks vary widely: women often wear elegant dresses, while men opt for neat suits with colorful details. Complete day of the dead costumes are also popular, such as skeleton suits or festive suits with prints. Many revelers also wear shells or tinkling accessories to welcome souls and keep the atmosphere alive.
Mexico is known worldwide for its flavorful cuisine, and during Día de Muertos, food plays a central role. Everywhere the favorite dishes of the deceased are prepared. One of the most famous delicacies of this period is Pan de Muerto.
This "Bread of the Dead" is a soft, sweet bread sprinkled with sugar and decorated with bread dough in the shape of bones. It has been in bakeries and markets for weeks before the holiday.
Even more famous are the colorful sugar and chocolate skulls (calaveras). These are decorated with bright colors and sometimes inscribed with the name of the deceased. They first serve as offerings on the altars and are later eaten by the living, a symbolic gesture of connection between the two worlds.
