The Rose Horses of Zurumucapio
Distinctive to San Angel Zurumucapio is the tradition of making small rose-decorated horses and dedicating them to those who died during the year. Several members of the community dedicate themselves to this work.
Day of the Dead in Mexico represents a mixture of Christian devotion and Pre-Hispanic traditions and beliefs. As a result of this mixture, the celebration comes to life as an unique Mexican tradition including an altar and offerings dedicated to the deceased.
Text by Patty Cruz Lopez
Photos by Mary J. Andrade
Walk through the doors of the Martin Lther King Jr. library, in San José, California, between the dates of Oct. 16 through Nov. 7 and there is an undeniable pull towards the ascending elevators where the fourth floor button flickers on and off taunting visitors to get close and personal with death.
Part Two
The prepared food for the celebration of the newly deceased in the Purhepecha Plateau in the State of Michoacan, is offered first to the deceased, so that they may take advantage of the vital flow of the food on the altar; the physical part is left for relatives and friends.
Part One
It is a pleasure to let oneself travel down the paths that open up before one’s gaze, especially those that lead to the villages that are found bordering Uruapan.
In the Mexican capital, death is intellectualized in museums and galleries, it dresses up for a night gala in five stars hotels, and yet easily maintains it’s provincial air in humble neighborhoods.
The Day of the Dead, also known as All Souls Day, is celebrated in México and in all of Latin America on November 2nd. In the larger cities, Catholics attend morning Mass and then gather at cemeteries to cover the tombs of their loved ones with flowers and prayers.
As in many Latin American countries, Mexico commemorates the Day of the Dead or All Souls’ Day on November 2nd.