Dia de Muertos, Puerto Penasco

We finally got to experience a Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico! Although it is often associated with Halloween in the United States, in reality it differs significantly, and is a much more meaningful, cultural experience.

While traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2 by families gathering in cemeteries to honor their deceased loved ones, many cities, like Puerto Penasco, hold celebrations on the prior weekend so that the public can come together in a festival-like atmosphere.

The celebrations of today originated as a cross between the various customs of the indigenous people of Mexico and the Catholic celebrations (especially the Day of the Faithful Deceased and All Saints) that were introduced as Spaniards migrated to the New World.

The offerings and the visit of souls is central to the of Day of the Dead customs. The belief is that the souls of the children return to visit on November 1, and that the souls of adults return on the 2nd. In the event that the gravesites or tombs of the deceased cannot be visited, elaborate altars are made in the homes, where the offerings are placed.

The photos of the deceased are placed on the highest part of the altar, to guide the souls in their return. Offerings, including food dishes, the bread of the dead, glasses of water, mezcal, tequila, corn, and cigars, are all placed around the altar and surrounded by candles.

Flowers are also an important element of the customs. Families usually clean and decorate the graves and altars with colorful wreaths of roses and sunflowers, among others, but mainly of marigold-like orange flowers called "cempasúchitl" and "deterciopelo", which are believed to attract and guide the souls of the dead.

Puerto Penasco's festival was held on Calle 32 (often called Rodeo Drive) and began as the sun was setting. The crowd, which was a mix of locals and visitors, began to grow as darkness fell. A large stage framed one end of the street where musicians performed throughout the evening. Food vendors, local artisans, and families giving out tequila and wine were scattered among the alters. At 8pm, a procession of musicians and costumed participants paraded down the street playing "When the Saints Go Marching In", which we doubted as an authentic theme song for the day!

We were so happy to have finally made it across the border for this special day! We even ran into some old friends from Arizona, which made the night that much better! To top it off, we got photobombed by a soul who returned to visit her family!!

Day of the Dead customs and celebrations vary widely through Mexico. While the Puerto Penasco celebration is small in comparison to the more elaborate customs found further to the south, it gave us a great feel for the significance of this day in our home away from home!