Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

   During my previous stays in Mexico, I had experienced Day of the Dead only briefly.  My students made an altar for me at my first school in 1988, complete with a sugar skull labeled Bill.  My landlady also made an altar in my apartment and there were colorful sand paintings adorned with golden flowers in front of the cathedral.  Nothing could have prepared me for the three day celebration which I experience this year.  I said later that one day of the celebration was equal to six months of living in the States.  The abundance of flowers, the enthusiasm and love which the people put into remembering their loved ones, and the creativity was something I was unprepared for.

   We started the celebration by going to the cemetery at Xoxocatlin at 11 p.m. on Halloween night.  We were immediately surprised to be surrounded by children in costumes or masks asking for Trick or Treats.  This American custom arrived in Mexico about 5 years ago and now the children embrace it as much as they do in the States.  We were divinely inspired and led to the Xoxocatlin cemetery as it is not easy to find and we didn't know how to get there but drove directly to the parking lot.  Inside the cemetery, the graves were covered with flowers and altars which included the things which the departed enjoyed on earth, ranging from fruits and drinks to cigarettes and chocolates.  Supposedly, the spirits take what they want that night and what remains is open for the taking the next day.

   The cemetery was lit only by candles but what an incredible sight that was.  Here are some photos:

Click here to return to Bill's Home page