Last year, I took a trip down to El Paso Texas specifically to attend the Dia De Los Muertos parade and celebration hosted by the El Paso Art Museum and History Museum. I was in the early, imaginative stages of my Going Places project and at the time living in a tiny hot springs town in the high desert in New Mexico. I grabbed my camera and booked a quick hotel and figured I’d go get my feet wet in the travel blogging world.
While El Paso was perhaps a bit rough around the edges, I found it to be an interesting trip nonetheless, and the downtown area and the parade were impressive. I’m glad I went. I had the chance to view gorgeous creative displays of altars with offrendas at the museums, try some Pan de Muerto, watch dancing performances, stroll around an open air arts and crafts market, and I had a drink and a frito pie on a lovely downtown patio (its obligatory for New Mexicans to have frito pies when they are on the menu outside of the state), and of course I attended the parade.
El Pasoan families showed up en masse and many in costume. The downtown area was abuzz, especially before and during the parade, with people enjoying the festivities.
I booked a hotel outside of the city center and took an Uber in. In retrospect I think staying a bit closer in would have been a better idea. I also dressed as if it were fall, silly me, not sure when or if fall starts in West Texas, but it’s not the end of October apparently. It was about 85 degrees and while the downtown area was walkable, I should have dressed lighter, so keep that in mind if you would like to visit during this time of year.
Other Southwest cities to celebrate Dia de los Muertos
If you perhaps can’t make it to Mexico yet and are looking for a quick trip in the American Southwest to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, here are some other great spots:
San Antonio, Texas, is also a great city to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, with the Muertos Fest being one of the largest Dia de los Muertos celebrations in the country.
Tucson, Arizona, is a city that celebrates Dia de los Muertos with various events such as the All Souls Procession Weekend.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is another city that celebrates Dia de los Muertos with various events such as the Día de los Muertos Marigold Parade.
History of Dia de los Muertos
Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a rich and vibrant tradition with a long history.
Ancient Indigenous origins: Dia de los Muertos has its roots in the indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, including the Aztecs, Maya, and Toltecs. These cultures had specific times dedicated to remembering and honoring their deceased loved ones. Death was seen as a natural part of life, and the focus was on celebrating the lives of the departed rather than mourning their loss.
European Catholic influence: With the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, Catholicism was imposed on the indigenous customs. The Catholic Church recognized November 1st as All Saints’ Day and November 2nd as All Souls’ Day, which aligned with the indigenous traditions of Dia de los Muertos. Over time, the holiday became a blend of indigenous and Catholic beliefs and practices.
Evolution and global celebration: Dia de los Muertos has evolved over the centuries and is now celebrated globally. The holiday has gained widespread recognition, particularly in the United States, through media attention and the growing Mexican population. It is observed from October 31st to November 2nd, with each day having its own significance.
Traditions and customs: Dia de los Muertos is a day of joy and celebration, where families come together to honor their deceased loved ones. Some common traditions include:
Altars: Families create altars, known as ofrendas, in their homes or at the gravesites of their loved ones. These altars are adorned with photographs, favorite foods, drinks, and personal belongings of the deceased.
Sugar skulls: Sugar skulls, or calaveras de azúcar, are intricately decorated skull-shaped candies that are often placed on the altars as offerings
Marigolds: Marigold flowers, or cempasúchil, are believed to attract the souls of the departed with their vibrant colors and fragrance. They are used to decorate altars and gravesites.
Pan de Muerto: Pan de Muerto, or bread of the dead, is a sweet bread that is baked and offered to the deceased. It is often shaped like a skull or bones and is enjoyed by the living as well.
Processions and celebrations: Many communities hold processions, parades, and festivals during Dia de los Muertos. These events feature music, dancing, traditional costumes, and vibrant displays of art and culture.
Dia de los Muertos is a beautiful and meaningful celebration that honors the lives of those who have passed away. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of life and death, and the importance of remembering and celebrating our loved ones.
Until next we travel,
-Skye
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