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Photostory: Day of the Dead Parade in Merida, Mexico

Find out what it's like to be inside the grandiose skull maks parade celebrating Day of the Dead in Merida Mexico. Participating in the Mexican tradition of Dia de Los Muertos is one of the best things to do in Mexico. #travel #MexicoMexican 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.

The most impressive part of this tradition is a parade with hundreds of people dressed in skull masks.

Scroll down to see the photo story of what’s it’s like to experience Day of the Dead parade in Mexico!

And if you are thinking to participate yourself, choose your quick Dia de Los Muertos Mask HERE or learn how to draw it yourself!

 

Everything starts with a preparation for the Day of the Dead parade…

Day of the Dead skull masks
People of Merida helping each other to draw their skull masks for the parade
Putting on the Day of the Dead make up
Over 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.
Putting on the Day of the Dead make up
But when there’s no one around to help, you DIY 🙂
The Day of the Dead altar in Merida, Mexico
While some are getting their parade make up done, others are working to build altars for the spirits of their loved ones.
Eating Egg Cake at the Day of the Dead parade in Merida, Mexico
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

The Day of the Dead decorations in Merida, Mexico
It wouldn’t be a real celebration if there wasn’t themed decorations.
The Day of the Dead Decoration in Merida, Mexico
Everything is decorated starting from streets, parks and ending to people’s homes.
The Day of the Dead Altar in Merida, Mexico
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 in Merida, Mexico
The Day of the Dead celebration is also a good time to see friends you haven’t met for a while.
The Day of the Dead outfit
While some are chatting and catching up, others are proudly showing their beautiful dresses.
The Day of the Dead outfit
La Señorita Mexicana
The Day of the Dead police costume
Everybody fits in the celebration. Even while on a duty.
Children costume for the Day of the Dead
Not everyone wears traditional outfits. 🙂
The Day of the Dead bride costume
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

The Day of the Dead costumes
Two hours until the Day of the Dead parade. Must get to the cemetery where it all begins early.
Day of the Dead Parade Merida Mexico
While some are still on the way, others are ready to start.
The Day of the Dead masks
Guests of Merida are also ready for the parade!

 

Child mask for the Day of the Dead parade
Somebody really can’t wait for the start of the parade.
The Day of the Dead Children Masks
Always better to be in the group.
The Day of the Dead skull mask
Chillin before the parade.
The Day of the Dead masks
The Day of the Dead is very photogenic!
The Day of the Dad in Merida, Mexico
Lots of pics with new friends are happening here.
Day of the Dead in Merida, Mexico
Watching the nightly sky and being romantic on the Day of the Dead.
The Day of the Dead in Merida, Mexico
As soon as the twilight comes, cemetery lights up in beautiful colors.
The Day of the Dead in Merida, Mexico
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 Day of the Dead parade in Merida, Mexico
The waiting has ended and the parade finally starts! This couple is the grand openers.
The Day of the Dead parade in Merida, Mexico
Gigantic statues are followed by participants of the parade carrying burning candles. It’s finally happening!
The Day of the Dead parade in Meride, Mexico
Some are covered with colorful scarves.
The Day of the Dead parade in Merida, Mexico
Everyone has a special role in the parade
The Day of the Dead decorations
After 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.
The Day of the Dead
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.

Also if you plan to join the Day of the Dead celebration, here’s a quick&easy skull mask tutorial to try it yourself. It’s awesome for Halloween as well!

 

 


Read also:

▪Quick Day of the Dead Skull Mask Tutorial for Travelers

▪Last minute Dia de Los Muertos Masks

▪Mysterious Skull Parade – Day of the Dead, Mexico

▪The Ultimate Guide to Isla Holbox, Mexico

▪A Day Trip to Cozumel Mexico in a Thunderstorm

▪9 Reasons Why You Should Stay at Una Vida Tulum, Mexico

8 comments

  1. Great photos that really capture the essence of this celebration. I’ve always been very intrigued by this holiday. Thanks for a great post!

  2. 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.

  3. Wow you captured some amazing shots here! I love how you showed how everyone gets ready as well!

  4. 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!

  5. 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 🙂

  6. I’ve always wanted to visit Mexico during this celebration Looks so interesting. I have to finally do it next year! 🙂

  7. Gorgeous shots! I would love to one day experience Día de los Muertos in Mexico!

    1. 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

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