The Meaning Behind the Day of the Dead

Not to be confused with Halloween, the 1^st and 2^nd of November mark Dia de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead, in Mexico and all around the Banderas Bay area visitors and residents will witness the manifestations of one of the most culturally significant celebrations of the year in this country.

Mexicans generally believe that the spirits of their loved ones surround them and that they can reach out to those who have passed on to the next world to make their journey more comfortable.  During Dia de los Muertos, Mexican families will erect altars dedicated to the spirits of those past, which will be decorated with photographs, flowers, and special food and drinks like Pan de Muertos, a sweet round bread, and atole, a corn based drink.

Visits will also be made to grave sites which will be similarly decorated.  Families may bring pillows and blankets to make the afterlife more comfortable for their loved ones.  The artistic may write poems or songs dedicated to the departed.

The dead are in many ways intertwined with the living in Mexico, and artistic images of Calaveras (skeletons) and Catrinas (caricatures of high class women as skeletons) are iconic in Mexican culture.  In fact, candy and chocolate skulls are one of the common treats associated with Dia de los Muertos.

Participate in Dia de los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta by admiring altars created by Mexicans to honor their friends and family that are no longer with them, but as a sign of respect, do not touch the altars nor take photographs.  You will find alters in all neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta including several in the Plaza de las Armas adjacent to the Malecon.

Click here to learn more about Mexican traditions from Elengorn Realtors.