Although the most important dates for this celebration are November 1st and 2nd, it is believed that souls descend to this plane from October 28th onwards. On that day, offerings are made to those who died tragically, due to violence or accidents. The 30th and 31st are dedicated to children who died without being baptized.
According to the Catholic calendar, November 1st is designated as All Saints' Day, which corresponds to children or the young dead, while November 2nd is called the Day of the Dead, which refers to all adults.
The tradition of these festivals has pre-Hispanic origins, as the Mexica celebrated their dead after the harvest season, between September and November. This tradition was syncretized with the beliefs of the Spanish conquistadors, with certain modifications, but maintaining the same essence.
In the offerings, we place certain elements that reflect this blend of beliefs, as well as the love each family reflects in the arrangements of each altar. The following cannot be missing:
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Candles and tapers. They are the light that guides and gives peace and hope to souls.
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Incense. It is the aroma that purifies the environment.
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Water. It cannot be lacking, as it quenches the thirst of our deceased.
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Salt. It is placed so that the visiting spirit does not get lost or corrupted during its stay in the world of the living.
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Marigold flower. Its aroma and color are believed to help souls reach their offering, and in 2021, a production of 2.8 million plants was achieved.
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Bread of the Dead. A traditional bread whose shape represents the cycle of life and death.
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Fruit. In addition to the deceased's favorite foods, traditional fruits are placed in the offering, such as:
- Mandarin 302,720 t.
- Sugarcane 53 million 841 thousand 556 t.
- Guava 287 thousand 243 t.
- Orange 4 million 648 thousand 619 t.
- Jicama 8,599 t.
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Calaveritas. In ancient times, real skulls were used, but these were later replaced with skulls made of sugar, chocolate, or amaranth.
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Papel picado not only adds color to the offering, but also represents air, one of the four elements that must be present in any offering.
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Food. It is customary to place the deceased's favorite foods.
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Photos. Images of the people honored with the offering are placed there, making it the most emotional and important detail.
