Happy First of November! Today marks the beginning of a vibrant and culturally rich celebration – Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead in Mexico. At Future Transformation, we believe in honouring and supporting the diverse traditions of our team members. In this blog post, we have the pleasure of sharing insights into this fascinating tradition from our Marketing Manager, Itzel, from Mexico.
Exploring Día de los Muertos: : Día de los Muertos has a profound history, dating back to the Aztecs. According to Itzel, this tradition originates from the Aztec belief in Mictlan, a place where the soul undergoes purification by passing through nine different levels. Each level holds its own intriguing significance. To learn more about these levels, click here.
With the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors, Día de los Muertos transformed into a mix of indigenous and Spanish cultures, one of the examples of the Spanish religion is adding a cross made by flowers. Today, the celebration revolves around honouring ancestors by creating altars adorned with vibrant cempasuchil flowers (marigolds), favourite foods, drinks, and photographs of the departed souls. Itzel emphasises that the tradition, once practised privately in homes and cemeteries, has gained commercial popularity in recent years, partly due to movies like Coco and James Bond, which have introduced the world to the essence of this celebration.
*Picture by Mexico Desconocido
Regional Variances: One of the most captivating aspects of Día de los Muertos is its regional diversity within Mexico. Different parts of the country celebrate this tradition in unique ways, each infused with local flavours, customs, and rituals.
The Joy of Pan de Muertos : A delightful tradition during Día de los Muertos is the preparation and sharing of Pan de Muerto, a sweet bread shaped like bones. This delicious treat is enjoyed alongside hot chocolate, bringing families together in a warm and comforting atmosphere. Itzel expresses her fondness for this tradition, emphasising how it creates cherished memories.
As we celebrate Día de los Muertos let’s take this opportunity to learn from each other and appreciate our unique backgrounds. By honouring traditions like Día de los Muertos, we not only preserve cultural heritage but also promote inclusivity and respect for one another.
We invite you to explore more about Día de los Muertos through the following links:
- History of Día de los Muertos
- Regional Variations in Día de los Muertos Celebrations
- How to Make Pan de Muerto