To
non Mexicans, the Day of the Dead festivities may sound rather macabre,
but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact this festival demonstrates
the average Mexicans love and respect for their ancestors and dearly departed.
It
all stems from the ancient indigenous peoples of Mexico, who believed
that the souls of the dead return each year to visit with their living
relatives - to eat, drink and be merry. The event is held in graveyards
across Mexico, allowing people to commune with deceased family members,
not in a somber fashion, but with a joyful sense of reunion.
Deceased children (known as little angels)
are remembered on November 1st (All Saints' Day), while adults are remembered
on November 2nd (All Souls' Day). During the previous week, vendors set
up stalls selling sugar candies in the shape of skeletons, skulls, coffins
and tombs. Families create altars in their homes, with flowers, candles,
religious amulets and photographs of the dead.
Adult
graves are adorned with offerings of the deceased's favorite possessions,
foods, alcohol or cigarettes, and are profusely decorated with colorful
flowers, particularly marigolds, which are believed to guide the spirits
of loved ones home. Children's graves have toys placed upon them, and
are covered with colorful streamers and balloons.
Graveyards
are crowded during the event. At 6:00 PM, the bells begin to ring every 30
seconds, summoning the deceased. Entire families may stand vigil throughout
the night, ensuring they will be recognized when their dearly departed arrive
to partake of the feast offered them. The following day, after the spirits
have had their fill, what's left is consumed as part of an elaborate picnic.
There
is story telling and laughter as the departed are remembered. Children romp
around the tombs, munching on sugar skeletons and skulls, while adults sample
pan de los muertos (bread of the dead). Who will be the lucky one to bite
into the toy plastic skeleton hidden by the baker in each loaf?
Oaxaca
is a special place to visit at any time of year, but being present during
this unique festival will leave you with unforgettable memories. Perhaps the
most remarkable thing about this celebration for the deceased is the infusion
of life given to its participants.
Calendar
of Events
El Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), 2007
Friday,
Oct. 26thTour
FULL
Tour with Nora to the market of Ocotlan
Time: 10:00 am - @ 5:00 pm
Price: $55.00 USD per person.
Includes:
•Round
trip transportation in an late model a/c van, tour of the fabulous outdoor
market of Ocotlan, church and museum of Ocotlan, the home/museum/art
gallery of Roldolfo Morales, the Aquilar sisters who are artist
of clay figurines, San Martin Tilcajete where elaborately painted carved
wooden animals can be viewed, and finally the village where they
produce the world famous black pottery, San Bartolo de Coyotepec. •Lunch
included.
.
Painted Alebrije
Ocotlan
Market
2
Saturday,
Oct. 27th Tour FULL
Walking tour of
Downtown Oaxaca. Time: 2:00 p.m.
Price: $20.00 USD per person.
Includes:
A
short ride to the neighboring barrio of Xochimilco will start our tour.
Our walk will start from the church of Xochimilco and will end up at
the chocolate factory in downtown Oaxaca. Along the way we will visit
many historical buildings, baroque churches, visit colorful shops as
well as markets. Total walk time is about 4 hrs traveling a distance
of just under 3/4 of a mile.
Please
Contact us
for reservations. You do
not need to be our guest to participate in any of the listed activities. Everyone
is invited.
Sunday,
Oct. 28thCLASS
FULL (see below for 2nd class date on 30 Oct.)
Mole Negro
Cooking Class. Traditional dish for Dia de los Muertos. Time: 10:00 am
Price: $65.00 USD per person.
Includes:
•Tour
of the market Merced, where you will be shown how to select the correct
ingredients for
the days meal: Mole Negro (Black sauce)
•Hands
on class for preparing and mixing the ingredients
•Full
dinner, which will include a cocktail, fresh chicken broth with rice, Mole
Negro with turkey or chicken,
•fresh
fruit drinks, hot tortillas, and dessert.
Monday,
Oct. 29thTour
FULL
Tour of Teotitlan del Valle and the church located at Tlacochahuaya.
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Price: $85.00 USD per person includes:
•Tour
of the world renown weaving village of Teotitlan
•Demonstration
from start to finish in the complex weaving process using
all natural materials.
•Corn
grinding demonstration
•Tajate
making demonstration ( rich drink made from ground corn, sugar,
the pit of the mamey fruit and the flower from the chocolate
plant).
•A
tour of the spectacular church of Tlacochahuaya
•Full
lunch included at the weavers home
Rug
Showroom
Church
in Teotitlan
Tuesday,
Oct. 30thCLASS
FULL
Mole Negro
Cooking Class. Traditional dish for Dia de los Muertos. Time: 10:00 am
Price: $65.00 USD per person.
Includes:
•Tour
of the market Merced, where you will be shown how to select the correct
ingredients for
the days meal: Mole Negro (Black sauce)
•Hands
on class for preparing and mixing the ingredients
•Full
dinner, which will include a cocktail, fresh chicken broth with rice,
Mole Negro with turkey or chicken,
•fresh
fruit drinks, hot tortillas, and dessert.
Wednesday,
Oct. 31st
Tour of the cemetery at Xoxocotlan TOUR
FULL
Time: 7:00 PM - @ 10:30 PM
Price: $55.00 USD per person Includes:
•A
light snack of Tamales and hot chocolate at La Casa de Mis Recuerdos
•Tour
of the cemetery located in Xoxocotlan
•Round
trip transportation in late model passenger van
•Tour
of the cemetery with explanations. Bring your camera. This will be a fantastic
photo opportunity!
•Return
to La Casa de Mis Recuerdos around 10:30 P.M.
Altar at Mis
Recuerdos
Painted Carved
Skull
Thursday,
Nov. 01Tour
FULL
Etla Comparsa
Time: 6:00 p.m. - @ 11:30 p.m.
Price: $35.00 USD per person Includes:
•Round
trip transportation in an late model a/c van.
You will be taken to the town of Etla where you will be privy to witness the
traditions of the local Comparsa ( The comparsa is similar to Carnival, where
the inhabitants join together and parade, some in costume, others in large
paper machete human-like figures, through the streets laughing, singing, drinking
and eating, all with the non-stop sound of fireworks. and band music. A perfect
time to just have fun, relax and join in on the festivities.
Please
Contact
us for reservations. You do not need
to be a guest at our B&B to participate in any of the above activities.
These activities are open to all.
