![]() ![]() Cruz incorporates an arch shape somewhere, to create a physical portal for the souls to enter our world.Some other items to consider, though not all altars have them: Copal (incense) represents the transformation from the physical to the supernatural. They’re considered “the flower of the dead” because once the blooms are cut, they quickly die - a metaphor for the journey from the realm of the living to the realm of the dead, Jimenez said. Earth is represented by fruits, dirt and flowers - specifically cempasúchiles, or marigolds. A candle represents fire and also illuminates the path that guides the souls to the altar. ![]() Wind can be represented by papel picado, a colorful cutout paper banner that moves in the breeze. You want to represent what Cruz called “life’s elements: water, wind, fire and earth.” For water, that can be a cup of water to quench the spirits’ thirst after their journey, or sometimes the deceased’s favorite drink. 1 and 2 - which, not coincidentally, are All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in Catholicism. And they did see death as sort of like the start of a new life or a new cycle,” said Angie Jimenez, the altar program director for the Día de los Muertos celebration at Hollywood Forever, which takes place Saturday.Ĭatholicism has a knack for absorbing holidays into its liturgical calendar - it’s how we ended up with Saturnalia trees at Christmas and rabbits and eggs at Easter - and something like that happened in Mexico with this holiday. “The Aztecs did honor the dead with celebrations and rituals during what was the harvest season. ![]() The holiday originated in Aztec culture before Spanish colonizers and the Roman Catholic Church arrived. But for many Southern Californians, it’s the season of Día de Muertos. The dominant one in America is Halloween. It’s not a coincidence that many cultures around the world have celebrations and ceremonies relating to death at this time of year. In spring, food is planted and animals are born in summer they grow, in fall comes the harvest, and in winter things are dead. The days are shorter, the air crisper, the leaves changing. You can also attend San Antonio’s longest-standing Día de Muertos celebration at Centro Cultural Aztlan in November.Ĭheck out more Dia de Muertos events throughout the Alamo City at the link below.Our seasons follow a cycle. Find a restaurant along the River Walk and book your reservation to view the parade along with dinner! The SpiritLandia celebrations continue all weekend long at La Villita. The celebrations continue at the San Antonio River Walk for SpiritLandia, which features a special Day of the Dead River Parade featuring decorated river barges paying homage to this special tradition. National Geographic named this event as one of the best fall festivals in the United States in 2019. If your preference is outdoor festivities, live music, and vibrant celebrations, the annual Día de los Muertos Festivalis held in downtown San Antonio at Hemisfair. Experience Dia de Muertos in San Antonio this fall! The opportunities to commemorate the occasion are endless. Join us in commemorations across San Antonio!ĭiscover Day of the Dead in a city bursting at the seams with Latin heritage and culture. Skeleton figures, especially elegantly dressed men (catrines) and women (catrinas), remind us that we are all equal in death. Learn More about Day of the Dead altars here. Sugar skulls, tamales, Pan de Muerto and more can all be found on Día de Muertos altars. Though there are traditional items that are commonly placed on ofrendas, every ofrenda is special in its own way and often includes personalized elements that are unique to the individual(s) being honored. ![]() To celebrate their lives, friends and family participate in a variety of activities including lively processions and parades, and traditional dress and altar building.Īltars, also referred to as “ofrendas” in Spanish, are arrangments honoring loved ones who have passed on. Also known as “Day of the Dead”, Día de Muertos is a tradition-filled day during which families remember the departed and share memories of loved ones. ![]()
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