10 Interesting Facts About the Day of the Dead in Mexico
The Day of the Dead is one of the most emblematic celebrations in Mexico, where those who are no longer physically here but are still alive in memory are honored.
More than a holiday, it is a set of rituals full of history, meaning and color. If you are passionate about learning more about this unique tradition, here we share ten curious facts that will surely surprise you.
1. Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
In 2008, UNESCO declared the Day of the Dead as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, thus recognizing the cultural richness and spiritual depth that it represents.
2. It Has Pre-Hispanic Roots
This celebration has its origins in the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mexico, such as the Mexica, Maya, Purépecha and Totonac. The ancient Mexicans believed in life after death and, every year, they honored their loved ones with special rituals.
3. Altars of the Dead Have Special Meaning
Each element of the altar has a symbolic meaning. Water represents purity and quenches the thirst of the soul, cempasúchil guides with its aroma, and candles light the path of the deceased. Each element helps create a connection between the world of the living and the dead.
4. Papel Picado and its Symbolism
Paper picado, with its colorful designs, represents the wind and the fragility of life. It is placed on altars to add color and movement, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth.
5. Cempasúchil: Flower of 20 Petals
The cempasúchil flower is essential in the celebration. Its vibrant color and unique aroma guide souls to the altars. In Nahuatl, “cempasúchil” means “flower of 20 petals,” a number that symbolizes the totality and fullness of life.
6. La Catrina and her History
The famous figure of La Catrina was created by the Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada at the beginning of the 20th century and popularized by Diego Rivera. It is a representation of death as something universal and democratic: everyone, regardless of their status, will reach it.
7. Differences in the North and South of Mexico
In the south, the Day of the Dead is celebrated with altars, visits to the cemetery and colorful parades. In the north, the tradition has variations due to the influence of Halloween, although the essence of honoring the deceased is maintained.
8. Literary “Calaveritas”
Literary “calaveritas” are humorous verses in which death is “mocked” by creating humorous rhymes to highlight characteristics of friends, family members or public figures. This tradition is centuries old and is still alive today.
9. Pan de Muerto and its Meaning
This sweet bread is essential in the offerings and in the celebration itself. Its circular shape represents the cycle of life, and the bones that adorn the bread symbolize the remains of the deceased. Sprinkled with sugar, it is placed on altars to be shared with the deceased and the living.
10. It is believed that children arrive on November 1 and adults on November 2
It is said that November 1 is dedicated to the “angelitos” or deceased children, while November 2 is the day that adults return to visit. That is why the offerings usually have toys, candy and even food that the little ones liked.
The Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta
The Day of the Dead Festival in Puerto Vallarta has acquired special relevance in recent years. As part of these celebrations, Puerto Vallarta earned the distinction of “The Tallest Catrina Skull in the World” from the Guinness World Records for two consecutive years in 2022 and 2023.
The monumental catrina, more than 27 meters high, became the central artistic piece of a celebration that included the placement of altars of the dead, more than 80 giant “sugar skulls” decorated with various motifs throughout the Malecón in Puerto Vallarta and a complete program of cultural activities.
The Day of the Dead celebrations in Puerto Vallarta conclude with the obligatory visit to the cemeteries on November 2.
The cemetery in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood, for example, becomes a family festival: while the people of Vallarta come to honor their deceased, outside in the surroundings you can find a variety of vendors selling fresh cempasúchil flowers, Mexican snacks, bread of the dead and even mariachis!
The Day of the Dead is a living tradition that invites us to remember and celebrate the lives of our loved ones, keeping them always in our memory. This year, continue this beautiful custom by participating in the Day of the Dead celebrations in Puerto Vallarta, where you can experience the essence of this Mexican tradition in an unparalleled atmosphere. Don’t miss it!
