The Day of the Dead: discover its secrets

Día de los Muertos, also known as “Day of the Dead” or “Day of the Faithful Departed”, is a unique and fascinating holiday celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America.

Although some may think that this celebration is sombre or sad because of its connection to death, Día de los Muertos is actually a colourful and joyful holiday that pays homage to deceased loved ones and celebrates life, as our Mexican friends know all too well.

In this article, Corbeto’s will bring you closer to this unique ancestral celebration full of tradition, which demonstrates the cultural richness of Mexico and its deep respect for the ancestors.

Day of the Dead: the origin of the celebration

The Day of the Dead has deep roots in the indigenous culture of Mesoamerica, particularly in the Aztec and Mayan civilisations. Before the arrival of the European conquerors, these cultures already celebrated rituals related to death and the afterlife. With Spanish colonisation and the influence of Catholicism, the holiday merged with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, which are celebrated on 1 and 2 November.

Altars of offerings

One of the most iconic aspects of the Day of the Dead are the altars of ofrendas, known as “ofrendas” or “altars of the dead”. These altars are created in homes and cemeteries, and are decorated with photographs of the deceased, candles, sugar skulls, food, drinks, and objects that the loved ones used to enjoy in life. These offerings are believed to attract and comfort the souls of the dead during their visit to this world.

The importance of sugar skulls

Sugar skulls are an iconic symbol of the holiday. These colourful representations of skulls are used to decorate altars and as gifts for family and friends. Sugar skulls often bear the name of the deceased on the forehead and are a way of honouring and remembering the deceased.

 

The Marigold Flower

The cempasúchil, also known as the flower of the dead, is a yellow and orange flower that is very present in Day of the Dead celebrations. Its vibrant colour and scent is believed to guide the souls of the departed back to their loved ones on Earth.

Parades and community celebrations

In Mexico, and increasingly elsewhere, parades and community celebrations are held during the Day of the Dead. Parades often include people dressed as skeletons or catrinas, sugar skull patches on clothing or accessories, fancy costumes, ornate dresses and hats… These festivities include music, dancing, food and a sense of joy in honour of loved ones who are no longer physically present.

 

Día de los Muertos is a celebration rich in symbolism and meaning that allows people to honour and remember their deceased loved ones in a unique way.  Although death is an inevitable part of life, this holiday reminds us that the love and memories of those we have lost live on in our hearts. Death does not always have to be sad, and enjoying this holiday in the incomparable Mexican setting is an unforgettable experience!

Halloween Vs Day of the Dead

The date of the Day of the Dead (1 and 2 November) coincides with Halloween by just one day (31 October), and in fact, both festivities share some similarities even though they have different cultural origins and different approaches to their celebrations.

The main difference in meaning between Halloween and the Day of the Dead is that Halloween often focuses on fear, the supernatural and the fun of dressing up, while the Day of the Dead is a more introspective and emotional holiday that honours and remembers loved ones who have passed away, and does so with a joyous celebration in which the spirits of the dead are believed to return to visit the living.

Both Halloween and the Day of the Dead involve death in their festivities. However, the way in which this theme is approached is different in each. Halloween has its roots in Celtic culture, especially in the festival known as Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The Day of the Dead, as we said at the beginning of this article, is a Mexican holiday that derives from pre-Hispanic traditions and merged with the Catholic holiday of All Saints’ Day.

Day of the Dead-inspired western looks

As we have already seen, although Halloween and Day of the Dead are not the same, they do have a common denominator, and the dates of both festivities almost overlap. Would you like to incorporate a touch of western style into your outfit for either of these two special celebrations?

Whether you’re lucky enough to live this holiday in Mexico or you want to celebrate Halloween with a nod to the Mexican holiday, here are some ideas for a look that’s both authentic and in keeping with the celebration.

• Jeans with western embroidery or a Mexican touch.

Pair a pair of jeans with a western shirt. Look for clothes that have embroidered details that reflect the Mexican theme. You can also incorporate them yourself with embroidered Mexican skull patches, like the ones you’ll also find in our shop. This will add a touch of authenticity to your outfit that will make all the difference.

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  Cowboy Boots

A pair of cowboy boots or ankle cowboy boots are essential elements for a western look. Opt for leather boots with embroidered or embossed details that match the Day of the Dead theme. You can choose boots in earth tones, brown or black.

•  Western Belt

An tooled leather cowboy belt with a floral design, so typical of the Day of the Dead, and with an eye-catching buckle can add a touch of authenticity to your outfit. Denim belts with metallic details, conchos or inlaid stones can also look great.

• Cowboy Hat

A black cowboy hat will be another iconic accessory for this occasion, and if it has a leather band with a floral engraving, or a decorative flower or skull badge, you’ll be a hit.

• Thematic Accessories

Don’t forget to accessorise with skull bandanas, sugar skull patches, marigold flowers and other Mexican symbols.

• Day of the Dead Inspired Make-up

To complete your look, consider a Day of the Dead inspired make-up: in contrast to the western aesthetic, it will simply look great. You can create a skull make-up look on your face, with floral details and bright colours that reflect the aesthetics of this particular holiday: your look will be too.

Finally, remember that the Feast of the Dead is a meaningful and respectful celebration in Mexico, so it’s important to enjoy your attire with sensitivity to its meaning. By combining western elements with Day of the Dead themed elements, you can achieve a stunning look that reflects your personal style and appreciation for this unique holiday wherever you are. And as always, count on Corbeto’s to make your outfit shine – celebrate with style and respect!