Dia de los Muertos, translated as Day of the Dead, is primarily a Mexican holiday. But New Mexico used to be part of Mexico and the tradition is still strong here today. In Albuquerque's South Valley, the Marigold Parade happens every year, with participants dressed up in traditional, brightly colored Mexican clothing and calacas (skeleton masks) or face paint. People carry signs and mementos honoring their ancestors and throw candy to the children.
Altars or ofrendas honoring the dead are an import part of Dia de los Muertos celebrations, but unlike European altars, they are very colorful and celebratory. According to mexican-folk-art-guide.com, "Altars make the souls (animas) feel welcomed and show them that they have not been forgotten."
The website also talks about the meaning of different levels in the ofrendas: "In some areas altars are made with two levels that symbolize heaven and earth; in others they are made with three levels for heaven, purgatory and earth; and there are places where altars with seven levels are placed, each of these levels represents the steps a soul has to make to get to heaven."
The altars can include many different elements that vary by region or from altar to altar. Some of the elements include:
Pictures and personal items of the dead are often included to show who is being honored.
Fresh and colorful flowers, particularly marigolds, are used to decorate the ofrenda in order to welcome returning soul with their scent.
An arch is often a part of an ofrenda, symbolizing the entrance to the world of the dead.
Chiseled paper (papel picado) flags depicting saints, skulls and skeletons can also represent the element of air, because of the way they move in the breeze.
Candles (often pillar candles depicting saints and religious figures) are an essential element. "Candles show the souls their way to the altar and back to the dead world; they symbolize the light, hope and faith," according to the Mexican Folk Art Guide.
Other religious elements, such as crucifixes and images of the Virgin Mary and other saints are included.
Food is also an important element of an ofrenda: a glass of water to quench the souls' thirst after their journey, a plate of salt as a purifying element, pan de muertos is a fraternal offering. And many other food items and sweets vary by region.
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