Thousands of years ago, humans all over the world were establishing traditions by making offerings and performing rituals at the time of year when the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer. In Mexico these traditions are still a part of its modern day culture, drawing in thousands, if not more, tourists from all over the world to witness the Day of the Dead altars and traditions. Ecuadorian born photographer and author Mary J. Andrade wrote the 1999 bilingual book Dia de los Muertos Oaxaca/Day of the Dead Oaxaca and it is a great resource for anyone who is interested in learning about the Day of the Dead customs, history and traditions.
Published by Andrade's husband's La Oferta Review Newspaper, Andrade provides her reader with a peak into how this day is celebrated and left this reader in particular wanting to know more; to visit Oaxaca and smell the autumn air that blows through the towns that observe the pre-hispanic and Catholic mixed traditions that are unique to Dia de los Muertos. Setting the scene for the Central Valleys way of celebrating Andrade writes on page 25 "one of the traditions with the longest history is the celebration of Day of the Dead. This celebration is one of the oldest and lasts several days before and after Novemeber 2nd, depending on the town and its location in the Central Valley." She continues by explaining the particular importance of Day of the Dead in Oaxaca "in fact Day of the Dead...should be deemed Week of the Dead. Eight days prior to the traditional appointed date...the city's main market...bursts with articles and condiments needed for the celebration..."Oaxaca is just one of the many regions in Mexico where Day of the Dead is observed.
To get a real feel for Dia de Muertos planning a trip to Oaxaca, Michoacan or Morelos at the end of October is a great way to go. The next best thing is to read Mary J. Andrade's Dia de Muertos en Mexico series available for sale at her website
Watch the Youtube video at the end of this post filmed last year in Oaxaca City of the artwork laid out on the ground outside of the cathedral. And for more information on where to stay in Michoacan for Dia de Muertos click here. Come back soon to get updated information on Day of the Dead activities and recommendations!
