Toronto (Nov 2016) – Harbourfront set the stage for Mexico’s vibrant and intriguing, Día de los muertos, in honour of deceased loved ones. It was a glorious mild and sunny autumn day which provided a spectacular back drop for this beautiful celebration of remembrance. Coinciding with Halloween on Oct 31 and the Catholic holidays All Souls and All Saints Day, the festivities that originate from ancient indigenous beliefs take place over 2 days, Nov 1 and 2.
Visitors to the festival could buy crafts at the ‘Day of the Dead Market’, sample traditional foods and be entertained by Mariachi, Aztec drumming and dance, and puppetry performances. There was face painting for children, as well as food, art and music demonstrations that encouraged audience participation.
For me personally, the highlight was having the opportunity to interact and celebrate with the Mexican community who welcomed us all to share in their beloved tradition. People came to pay their respects to cherished and revered Mexican personalities such as the great Juan Gabriel, singer/songwriter who passed away August 28th of this year. They also came to meet and make new friends, or to simply be a part of the excitement and folklore. Whatever the reason, there were a lot of smiling faces, good humour and a lot of camaraderie.
During the lively Viva Mexico Mariachi performance, one couldn’t help but get caught up in the nostalgic sing-a-long of old favourites that united Mexicans and non-Mexicans alike through music, our common language.
We in Toronto are very fortunate to be living in such an ethnically diverse city that brings so many different cultures to our doorstep. It is through conversation, discovery and exploration that we open our minds to learning and appreciation of others. What better way to gain more knowledge and insight than to take part in festivals such as these!
What I learned and rediscovered:
While the thought or even the talk of death in many cultures causes unease and discomfort, and is considered a sad and very private time of grief and mourning often enveloped in the fear of our own mortality, the Mexican people choose to confront death head on. They are not afraid of the inevitable that we are all going to die, it’s a natural cycle of life and part of the human experience. So rather than mourn with sadness, they celebrate with music and dance; rather than dress in all black (a sign of respect for the departed in many countries), Mexicans adorn themselves in bright, vivid colours remembering and honouring their loved ones with joy and happiness.
Ofrendas (offerings) are altars lovingly prepared and displayed in homes and public spaces (grave sites) where people can come to pray in remembrance. Included are photos of the loved one, flowers, incense, candles, fruits, vegetables, decorative figurines, skeletons and skulls, as well as objects representing their passions, personality and favourites. The sky is represented by colourful paper cutouts that are strung across the room.
Traditional foods consumed and placed on the table of ofrendas are pan de muertos (bread of the dead), calaveras de azucar (sugar skulls), calabaza en tacha (candied pumpkin), tamales (filled with meat, cheese or nuts) and moles (thick sauces), atole (a corn drink), agua de Jamaica (hibiscus flower water) and liquors. A glass of water is also offered to the souls of the dead for it is believed that after their long journey to the celebration in their honour, they are tired and thirsty.
Las catrinas/los catrines and their painted sugar skull faces
If you’re interested in learning the art of sugar skull face painting, watch this video.
Las Calaveras and Calacas- decorative skulls and skeleton figurines
Traveller's Lingo 