Mexico enjoys a rich cultural heritage, including the celebration of some interesting holidays; one of the most interesting is the Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. If you know you’ll be staying in a www.villaencantada.com/">Villa Puerto Vallarta sometime soon, but you just can’t decide when you want to travel, consider planning your visit so that includes November 1 and 2, when Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead. A celebration of life
Also known as “All Souls Day,” November 2 is a day when friends and family gather to remember their dearly departed. They may build an altar to honor the deceased, or they may visit the cemetery, bringing along an offering that includes a collection of the beloved’s favorite things – cigars, beverages, food – those things that will encourage them to return to the old neighborhood for a visit.
This is not a morbid or sad time; rather, it is a time to celebrate a life well-lived. Because each small ceremony is a private family affair, and you are not a family member, you probably won’t be joining any of the goings on. Nonetheless, you may want to make a (very respectful) visit to the cemetery, near the Libramiento that goes through the tunnel. Candles and brightly-colored flowers will create a night-time scene you won’t soon forget.
A mix of old and new
The observance of All Saints Day and All Souls day is a Catholic tradition that has been blended with ancient Aztec traditions to create a special kind of remembrance. The living sometimes bring a pillow and blanket to encourage the departed to rest awhile, and loved ones share stories, jokes and memories.
The more you learn about this tradition, the more you may be inclined to have your own private Dia de los Muertos ceremony. You and your family and friends can enjoy a special meal at one of Puerto Vallarta’s favorite restaurants and drink a special toast to your own past. To make the event complete, you might want to shake your fist at death as you eat “Calaveras,” sugar and chocolate skulls.
When you return to your www.villaencantada.com/">Villa Puerto Vallarta, sit around the pool and share your favorite stories. A few lighted candles spread around the patio will give the evening a magical twinkle and maybe attract some of your old-time favorites to join you for one more night of good times.
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