Photostory: Day of the Dead Parade in Merida, Mexico
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Mexican celebration of Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a unique event. Once a year Mexicans welcome spirits of their lost loved ones back to the earth for a day.
Everything starts with a preparation for the Day of the Dead parade…
People of Merida helping each other to draw their skull masks for the paradeOver the years locals have become so skilled in their Day of the Dead makeup, that they can even earn some extra pesos before the parade.But when there’s no one around to help, you DIY 🙂While some are getting their parade make up done, others are working to build altars for the spirits of their loved ones.Walking to the parade we could not pass the locals selling their homemade sweets at their doorsteps without trying some. Eating an egg cake here. Deeeliiissshhhh!
The Day of the Dead decorations
It wouldn’t be a real celebration if there wasn’t themed decorations.Everything is decorated starting from streets, parks and ending to people’s homes.The most important is showing a respect and a warm welcome back to the souls by building beautiful altars full of colorful decor and food.The Day of the Dead celebration is also a good time to see friends you haven’t met for a while.While some are chatting and catching up, others are proudly showing their beautiful dresses.La Señorita MexicanaEverybody fits in the celebration. Even while on a duty.Not everyone wears traditional outfits. 🙂This bride will not show off her costume until it’s gonna be designed to perfection.
Time to go to The Day of the Dead parade
Two hours until the Day of the Dead parade. Must get to the cemetery where it all begins early.While some are still on the way, others are ready to start.Guests of Merida are also ready for the parade!
Somebody really can’t wait for the start of the parade.Always better to be in the group.Chillin before the parade.The Day of the Dead is very photogenic!Lots of pics with new friends are happening here.Watching the nightly sky and being romantic on the Day of the Dead.As soon as the twilight comes, cemetery lights up in beautiful colors.So much photography, videos and even shooting with drones going on here. It doesn’t feel like a cemetery at all today.
The Day of the Dead Parade STARTS!!!
The waiting has ended and the parade finally starts! This couple is the grand openers.Gigantic statues are followed by participants of the parade carrying burning candles. It’s finally happening!Some are covered with colorful scarves.Everyone has a special role in the paradeAfter the parade, it’s time for the real celebration. Everyone walks around admiring the altars for the spirits, that are decorated with photos of deceased ones. In this case, though they decorated using the actual deceased one.There are even thematic cocktails.
Awesome, isn’t it?
Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos is a colorful and festive occasion that honors deceased family members and celebrates their lives. Already historically since the Aztecs times mourning of the dead was considered disrespectful.
Death was the next phase of life’s long continuum and deceased ones were kept alive in everyone’s memories. Then once a year these souls return to earth for a day to visit their families.
This belief is still alive in Mexico nowadays. Therefore each year from November 1st to November 2nd the celebration takes place all over the country, to welcome spirits of deceased loved ones back to earth.
A day before Dia de Los Muertos, October 31 is a preparation for the upcoming celebration and also a Halloween celebration. Halloween is not the same thing as The Day of the Dead though. Read more about it here.
Yay! I’m in Merida right now actually, but was in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead celebrations. Love this post! The festival was incredible, right? So glad I had a chance to see it.
Wow you captured some amazing shots here! I love how you showed how everyone gets ready as well!
Becci Abroad
November 4, 2017
Beautiful photos on Día de los Muertos! I really really want to visit Mexico next year to experience it – and of course, to take photos 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience!
Christina
November 4, 2017
These photos are seriously incredible. You’ve captured the event so much better than any article I’ve seen on it. Amazing job! Would love to see this for myself someday 🙂
John
November 4, 2017
I’ve always wanted to visit Mexico during this celebration Looks so interesting. I have to finally do it next year! 🙂
Gorgeous shots! I would love to one day experience Día de los Muertos in Mexico!
THE TRAVEL LEAF
November 4, 2017
Hi Erica! ?
Thanks for the comment! This even is a bucket list worthy one for sure! I hope you get to expereince it next year in the amazing Mexico ?
Anete
8 comments
Great photos that really capture the essence of this celebration. I’ve always been very intrigued by this holiday. Thanks for a great post!
Yay! I’m in Merida right now actually, but was in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead celebrations. Love this post! The festival was incredible, right? So glad I had a chance to see it.
Wow you captured some amazing shots here! I love how you showed how everyone gets ready as well!
Beautiful photos on Día de los Muertos! I really really want to visit Mexico next year to experience it – and of course, to take photos 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience!
These photos are seriously incredible. You’ve captured the event so much better than any article I’ve seen on it. Amazing job! Would love to see this for myself someday 🙂
I’ve always wanted to visit Mexico during this celebration Looks so interesting. I have to finally do it next year! 🙂
Gorgeous shots! I would love to one day experience Día de los Muertos in Mexico!
Hi Erica! ?
Thanks for the comment! This even is a bucket list worthy one for sure! I hope you get to expereince it next year in the amazing Mexico ?
Anete