Dia de los Muertos (the Static Displays)

This morning at 930 Pearl, Rose and myself headed into town to see what was going on this Dia de los Muertos.

In Mexico, November 1st is Todos los Santos, or All Saints Day and November 2nd is Dia de los Muertos, or All Soul's Day or the more popular translation, Day of the Dead.

The Days of the Dead originated in Europe in the 9th century and were introduced by the Spaniards after the Conquest. This celebration blended nicely with already existing Aztec beliefs concerning death and departed spirits. The result is as Mexican as mole sauce.


About a week before the first of November, vendors set up and begin selling sugar skulls, coffins, tombs, skeletons and whatever else they can fashion into grisly reminders of mortality. The skulls have names: if Uncle Pancho drove his truck off a cliff last year, you'll buy a Pancho skull for the family altar and perhaps a large sugar skeleton clutching a real bottle of his favorite tequila and a cigarette.*

During our 2 hour walk through town there was so much going on that I think it's best if I post my fotos in several different posts.

We shall begin with the static displays of art that were all over town.

Dia de los Muertos.

This is the first bit of art the girls and I saw .
This is also the route of Mexicos independence, up the stairs to the right.

In front of the Teatro Juarez.

This guys was in the main jardin.

Keeping an eye on the jardin. That's Pipila on top of the hill.

Skulls in the Baratillo.

Almost everything in this foto is made from sugar.

Skeletons hangin in the jardin.

What a great work, also in front of the Teatro Juarez.
I think I know how the guy in the middle feels.

* The words in the different font are from The People's Guide to Mexico by Carl Franz. A must read if you have any questions about Mexico.