Day of the Dead

Death has a unique meaning. The Day of the Dead focuses on celebrating the cycles of life and death, paying direct tribute to those who have died. The date of the celebration originates from Aztec culture, based on the celebration of the solar calendar. The cult of the Aztec population was honored by the Lady of Death, La Catrina, wife of the king of the dead. It is a holiday to remember loved ones, which brings together the living and the dead, sharing a meal with them as if they were alive. It does not represent the end, but another form of existence, in a place of abundance and joy. The candles and food serve to honor souls and must incorporate the four elements of nature. There are papers and images that move with the wind, thus symbolizing the passage of the dead through the place. Water is available to the dead to quench their thirst. Fruits represent the earth and serve to satisfy hunger. Fire is symbolized by candles; one part for each soul remembered. It is believed that the dead travel a long way to the world of the living, and offerings encourage visits from the land of the dead as departed souls hear their prayers, smell their food and participate in the celebrations.