Due to its cultural relevance, since 2008 UNESCO declared the Day of the Dead as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and it is no wonder, since it is estimated that this festival of pre-Hispanic origin has been celebrated in our country for more than three thousand years and with variations, in some Central American countries. Likewise, with migration, the commemoration of the Day of the Dead abroad has spread beyond our borders.
What happens to Mexicans when they die?
How is the Day of the Dead celebrated abroad?
In the United States, since the last century the tradition was not completely unknown, since according to the writer Regina M. Marchi, author of the book Day of the Dead in the United States, In the 1970s, the first murals with the theme of the Day of the Dead appeared, made by Chicano artists in California.
However, the perception that Americans had about this holiday was negative; which would change radically with films like Coconut and The book of life. Based on these films, year after year, many Americans search their cities for events related to this holiday, eager to participate.
Discover Authentic Mexico through our podcast!
3 legends of the Day of the Dead
Likewise, in cities with large populations of Mexicans such as Los Angeles, Chicago and San Antonio, the Day of the Dead is present with parades, exhibitions, offerings and street fairs.
The celebration in Central America
While it is true that this holiday is essentially a Mexican tradition, in many Catholic countries the deceased are honored on November 2nd; such is the case of the United States, Central and South America; and Philippines.
Similarly, in El Salvador the dead are also remembered with the Calabiuza Festival, where people parade in skull outfits and have the tradition of asking for ayote (pumpkin in honey).
Likewise, in Guatemala the deceased are celebrated with a giant kite festival and tradition dictates that messages be written on them to transmit to loved ones who are no longer here.
Finally, we could say that the celebration of Todos Santos mainly in Bolivia but also in Andean regions of Argentina, Ecuador, Peru and southern Colombia, has similarities with that of our country, since there they eat tantawawas or guaguas, breads that, like our bread of the dead, represent the dead and also decorate the offerings that are placed on the occasion of the festival.
Keep reading: Experience the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca this 2023!