On November 1st and 2nd, one of the most iconic touchstones in Mexican culture occurs with “The Day of the Dead”, called Día de Muertos or Día de los Muertos. It is a time of joyful reminiscence and sentiment, as Mexicans remember and honor the dead with a series of customs that originate from a mix of rituals dating back to Aztec culture and the Catholic influences that came to Mexican with the conquistadors of Spain.
In Mexican culture, the dead can inhabit two places at once, with their souls in heaven yet still here, keeping watch over their loved ones. During Día de Muertos, those friends and family who have passed on are celebrated with colorful altars decorated with flowers, candles and photographs. Also, to make things more comfortable in the afterlife, Mexicans will leave gifts on the altars or sometimes at gravesites of their loved one’s favorite foods or drinks, blankets and pillows, clothing or toys for little ones that left too soon.
You will also see two of the most recognizable representations of Mexican culture in the delicately crafted and colorful sugar skulls and female skeletons dressed in the style of high Spanish society of the time, known as the Calavera Catrina, and made famous by the lithographer and cartoonist, José Guadalupe Posada.
Watch local news media for information on Día de los Muertos events in Puerto Vallarta and visit the Plaza de Armas across from the famous Malecon, to see some beautiful altars on public display.
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