Experience Day of the Dead in New Mexico
New Mexico is a melding of many cultures and ways of life both modern and centuries-old. These are woven together to form a vibrant tapestry of people and traditions unlike anything else in the nation. One such tradition is Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead.
A Mexican holiday dating back hundreds of years, Día de los Muertos originated with the Mexica (popularly known as the Aztecs). Before Spanish colonization, the celebration took place during the summer. Later it was moved to autumn in order to coincide with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day.
The modern iteration of the Día de los Muertos includes three days representing three related, but separate, ideologies — chock full of inspiring traditions that bring both closure as well as the feeling of time spent with a loved one who has passed. The celebrations are bright and elaborate, and they include the building of ofrendas (private altars) in celebration of the departed; honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds (the flower of the dead), and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed; and bringing gifts and belongings to graves.
Other traditions include muertos (the bread of the dead); cardboard skeletons; tissue paper garlands; fruit and nuts; incense; and other traditional foods and decorations. The holiday is now celebrated around the world, and each culture brings their own unique twist to it.
The three days celebrate those who came before us and who have passed on. Death is an integral part of life, and one that everyone experiences, and Día De Los Muertos celebrations bring comfort and understanding instead of fear.
During the end of October into early November, gatherings and parades are held throughout the state. Whether you celebrate every year or you’re simply checking it out for the first time, these community celebrations welcome you with open arms as you honor your own loved ones.
Check out these events that will take place around the state:
• Día de los Muertos in Santa Fe - Santa Fe’s second annual Día de los Muertos opens at 4 pm Oct. 27 with festive mariachi music and traditional entertainment on the Santa Fe Bandstand, festooned with papeles picados, the colorful cut paper decorations seen at celebrations throughout Mexico. Signature Mexican foods that have enriched New Mexico’s own cuisine will be available as well as decorative items that customarily adorn ofrendas that honor those who have passed on. Expect to see brightly colored masks, decorative skulls, and hundreds of marigolds!
The evening opens at 5 pm with welcome remarks before the night lights up with live music from singer/songwriter and New Mexico State Historian Rob Martinez; Las Flores del Valle, a women-fronted trio passionate about sharing many musical genres including boleros, rancheras and original songs; Lone Piñon, a New Mexican string band or “orquesta típica,” whose music celebrates the integrity and diversity of the region’s cultural roots; and The Mexican Standoff, a socially conscious, bilingual LA/Mexico-City based “alternative ranchero” band with a comedic twist.
• Dia de los Muertos in Mesilla - Expect lots of music, folklorico dancing, food, and altars constructed for dearly departed family members at this Oct. 28 event. This community event is free to the public and held on the historic Mesilla plaza.
• Dia de los Muertos in Albuquerque - Day of the Tread. ‘Day of the Tread’ is a Day of the Dead/Halloween-themed bicycling event for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. There is adventure for everyone. This event takes place in the Sawmill District in Old Town Albuquerque.
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