Gess Where Travels: Day of the Dead

The energy around Mexico City is unbelievable. The Day of the Dead is a BIG event for them. This is when they celebrate ancestors who have passed away. For Mexicans death is a celebration not a time of sadness. The Day of the Dead is a long standing tradition rooted in Aztec and Catholic believes. The festival celebrates life by honoring those who have passed sway - it’s not about mourning but remembering with joy. They believe the departed souls return to visit their loved ones.

Elaborate altars or ofrendas are set up for them with their favorite things plus flowers, food, candles and much more.

Marigolds which are known as the flower of the dead are everywhere. It is believed the smell from this flower helps guide them back to the world of the living.

For our group the visit to the Casa de Muerto was a great overview. This home is open year round to teach people about the tradition. We learned much from Victor about the tradition and loved the work of the local artisans. We also tasted our first pan de muerto, a sweet bread that is only made at this time of year.

Paseo de Reforma is a street full of the marvellous traditional Catrinas, skulls and alebrijes (mythical creatures). La Catrina is a skeleton dressed in fancy dress and represents the concept that everyone is equal in death. I used to find these ugly but now appreciate their meaning and have become quite attracted to them.

So with that explanation here are the photos which truly do not do justice to the things we saw.

Getting to our sights on the metro it costs 6 pesos or 50 cents- an experience: