Día De Los Muertos

by Kaiya Lopez (Grade 9)

In my family of mixed-ethnicities, one tradition that holds a lot of value for us is a tradition called Día De Los Muertos. You might’ve heard it from other people who have Mexican blood and/or traditions, or maybe you watched the movie “Coco.” For those who don’t know, Coco is a 2017 American animated fantasy comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The movie is basically a summation of what Día De Los Muertos is and what some of my family believes about what happens after the living has passed on. During the month of November, some of my family members from Hawaii will fly to my dad’s house and we will create an ofrenda. An ofrenda is basically an altar with pictures of dead family members, and the older the person is, the higher they are on the altar. At least, that’s how it works in my family tradition. On ofrendas, my family likes to give gifts to my deceased ancestors such as fruits, breads, or snacks, but my family usually just offers fruits or quick meals since they are easiest to buy or make. Another offering that we usually set up during Dia de los muertos are flowers. I’m not exactly sure why, but my family usually sets a theme of red, orange, and yellow flowers to give to the deceased. 

More Information About Día De Los Muertos

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It honors deceased loved ones and is marked by vibrant festivities that blend indigenous customs and Spanish influences. There are a few symbols that represent the Mexican holiday and they include skulls(Calaveras), Marigolds(Cempasúchil), Crosses, Candles, and Papel Picado. 

Skulls Represent the deceased and the cycle of life and death. People like to create sweet and edible skulls for either offerings or to hand out to the living. They are often made of sugar or ceramic and are decorated in vibrant colors to symbolize the joy of remembering loved ones. The flowers, Marigolds, are believed to attract the souls of the dead. Its vibrant color and scent are thought to guide spirits back to their altars. One important symbol that is found in almost every area that Día De Los Muertos is celebrated in, are the crosses. Crosses are often made of wood or other materials, crosses represent faith and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. They may also be adorned with flowers, candles or other offerings. Candles symbolize light and hope, guiding the spirits back to their altars. They are often placed on altars to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Lastly, there is the papel picado. They are colorful paper cutouts with intricate designs, papel picado represent the fragility of life. They are used to decorate altars and streets, adding festive energy to the celebration. In my family, we usually like to include heart shapes to represent the love that our family tree passed down. Every little detail and offering means a lot to the people who celebrate this tradition. These symbols work together to create a vibrant and meaningful celebration, emphasizing the belief that death is not an end but a part of the ongoing journey of life.

Not only are symbols a major part of Día de los muertos, but the dances and energy as well. Dances celebrated and performed during Día de los muertos include the La Catrina Dance, Folklórico Dance, Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Old Men), Danza de los Muertos (Dance of the Dead), and La Bamba. However, I will only explain the details of the La Catrina Dance, the Folklórico Dance or also called Ballet Folklórico, and 

The La Catrina Dance is a lively and symbolic performance that embodies the spirit of Día de los Muertos. It features dancers dressed as La Catrina, showcasing the playful and celebratory aspects of life and death. The dance not only serves as entertainment but also as a cultural expression, honoring deceased loved ones. Dancers typically wear colorful, elegant costumes that reflect the traditional attire associated with La Catrina, often featuring long skirts, lace, and decorative elements. The makeup is a significant part of the performance, with dancers painting their faces to resemble skeletons. This artistic representation emphasizes the connection between the living and the dead. The dance highlights the theme of embracing death rather than fearing it. By portraying La Catrina in a joyful manner, the performance reflects the belief that death is a natural part of life. The movements are often playful and exaggerated, symbolizing the lighthearted attitude of the celebration. Dancers may also engage in interactions that mimic conversations between the living and the dead, reinforcing the idea of remembrance. The La Catrina Dance is often performed to traditional Mexican music, incorporating lively rhythms and melodies that enhance the festive atmosphere. It may include mariachis or other folkloric music styles that resonate with the cultural significance of the holiday. As a prominent representation of Mexican culture, the La Catrina Dance has gained popularity beyond Mexico, inspiring performances in various parts of the world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring those who have passed while celebrating the vibrancy of life.

In summary, the La Catrina Dance is a dynamic and meaningful performance that encapsulates the essence of Día de los Muertos, blending tradition, art, and cultural expression to celebrate life and honor the memory of the deceased.

Ballet Folklórico is a traditional Mexican dance form that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Mexico through vibrant choreography, colorful costumes, and regional music. It is performed by groups of dancers and is an integral part of celebrations, including Día de los Muertos. Ballet Folklórico has its roots in indigenous and mestizo traditions, evolving over centuries as a blend of pre-Columbian dances and Spanish influences. The art form gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly during the Mexican Revolution, as a means to celebrate Mexican identity and heritage. Dancers wear elaborate costumes that reflect the traditional attire of their specific regions. These costumes often include vibrant colors, intricate embroidery, and accessories such as sombreros and shawls. The costumes are not only visually stunning but also carry cultural significance, representing the history and identity of the regions they depict. Ballet Folklórico incorporates intricate footwork, group formations, and storytelling through movement. The choreography often tells stories of love, struggle, and celebration, connecting dancers to their cultural roots. Performances may include live music, with ensembles playing traditional instruments such as guitars, violins, marimbas, and trumpets, enhancing the overall experience. Ballet Folklórico serves as a means of preserving and promoting Mexican culture, allowing communities to celebrate their heritage and share it with others. It plays a vital role in education, teaching younger generations about their roots and fostering a sense of pride in their cultural identity. Ballet Folklórico has gained international recognition, with performances seen in various countries as part of cultural exchange programs and festivals. It serves as a bridge for cultural understanding and appreciation. Ballet Folklórico is more than just a dance; it is a powerful expression of Mexican identity and heritage. Through its vibrant performances, intricate choreography, and colorful costumes, it celebrates the diversity and richness of Mexican culture, making it an essential part of festivals and celebrations.

Danza de los Viejitos, or the "Dance of the Old Men," is a traditional Mexican folk dance that humorously portrays the lives and characteristics of elderly men. This lively dance is often performed at cultural festivals and celebrations, including Día de los Muertos, and serves as both entertainment and a means of honoring the wisdom of older generations. The origins of Danza de los Viejitos can be traced back to the indigenous communities of Michoacán, Mexico, where the dance was created as a way to celebrate the elderly and their contributions to society. It reflects the cultural values of respect for elders, showcasing the experiences and stories they carry. Dancers typically wear masks that represent old men, complete with exaggerated features such as wrinkles and white hair, often made from materials like wood or papier-mâché. The costumes include traditional clothing, such as ponchos, sombreros, and shawls, adding to the authenticity of the performance. Some dancers may use props like canes to enhance the portrayal of elderly characters. The choreography is characterized by playful and exaggerated movements that mimic the mannerisms of older individuals. Dancers often incorporate shuffling steps, slow turns, and humorous gestures. The dance is performed in groups, with dancers interacting and engaging with each other, creating a sense of community and celebration. Traditional music, typically featuring regional instruments such as guitars and violins, accompanies the performance, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Danza de los Viejitos celebrates the wisdom, experience, and humor of aging. It emphasizes the importance of honoring elders in society and recognizing their contributions. The dance also conveys a message about the joy of life, encouraging participants and spectators to appreciate the moments shared with loved ones, regardless of age. The dance serves as a form of cultural expression, preserving traditions and fostering a sense of identity within communities. It is often performed during festivals, including Día de los Muertos, as a way to remember and honor deceased relatives while celebrating the lives of the living. Danza de los Viejitos has gained popularity beyond Mexico, with performances seen in various cultural festivals and events around the world. It serves as an example of the rich folkloric traditions of Mexico and promotes cultural awareness and appreciation. Danza de los Viejitos is a joyful and meaningful dance that celebrates the elderly and their contributions to society. Through its playful choreography, vibrant costumes, and lively music, it embodies the spirit of community and the importance of honoring tradition, making it a cherished part of Mexican folklore and cultural celebrations.

In conclusion, The dances and symbols of Día de los Muertos are vibrant expressions of culture and tradition, celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Through playful choreography, colorful costumes, and traditional music, these dances foster a sense of community and remembrance, making the holiday a joyful celebration of life and death.