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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday dedicated to the memory of deceased relatives and friends. It is observed annually on November 1st and 2nd (with preparations beginning on October 31st).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to belief, during these days the souls of the departed return to earth to visit their families. It is not a day of mourning, but rather a vibrant and joyful celebration that honors life and the memory of one\u2019s ancestors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indoor or outdoor altars that families decorate with photographs of the deceased, candles, and the deceased’s favorite foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m showing how a ceremonial altar\u2014featuring photos of loved ones\u2014was decorated for the celebration in Scarborough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was surprised to discover that my favorite marigolds (Cempas\u00fachil<\/strong>,\u0447\u043e\u0440\u043d\u043e\u0431\u0440\u0438\u0432\u0446\u0456,\u0431\u0430\u0440\u0445\u0430\u0442\u0446\u044b) are used as a traditional decoration for a holiday. As a Ukrainian, I grow them myself\u2014we hold them in high regard, sing songs about them, and consider them a flower deeply rooted in our own traditions. And yet, I found that they are also a traditional floral element for the Day of the Dead, where their bright orange color, scent, and petals are said to guide souls back home. Historians and scholars should look into this further; I\u2019m simply highlighting the topic\u2014it\u2019s genuinely fascinating to me! This year, I even came across posts on social media suggesting that they are edible. They are toxic, it\u2019s true, but some claim they can cleanse the liver. I\u2019m not advocating for this, nor do I necessarily consider such claims to be reliable\u2014but I do find it intriguing that these are associated with connecting to the souls of the departed, specifically because of their color, scent, and petals. Isn\u2019t that truly interesting?<\/p>\n\n\n\n There, on the altar ( Ofrenda), there is coffee, corn kernels, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symbolic skulls ( Calaveras) made from sugar or clay, often with the name of the deceased inscribed on the forehead.To be honest, I never really understood the skulls or the designs painted on them. I\u2019ve traveled to Mexico many times and would see them sold as souvenirs, but I never stopped to wonder why there were so many, or why they were decorated and sold. Only now do I understand\u2014it\u2019s their way of honoring the memory of the deceased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditional sweet pastries that are placed on the altar and eaten by the whole family (Pan de muerto<\/strong>)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, I have neither seen nor experienced it myself. One would have to be present at a traditional Mexican or Peruvian ritual to witness such a thing. However, I recall a conversation I once had with a museum staff member in a small town\u2014I believe it was in Midland, Ontario, a place I\u2019m quite fond of. They mentioned that, according to the beliefs of certain tribes in Ontario, there is a specific day each year when families or entire communities come together to commemorate those who have passed away over the course of that calendar year. They honor their memory through various acts: making offerings, presenting gifts, and lighting a ceremonial fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The popular image of an elegant skeleton lady in a hat, which has become the main symbol of the holiday-La Calavera Catrina<\/em>.Between 1910 and 1913, the Mexican artist and engraver Jos\u00e9 Guadalupe Posada created a zinc etching depicting a grinning skull wearing an elaborate French hat adorned with feathers. The artist originally titled it “La Calavera Garbancera.” At that time, the term garbancera<\/em> was used to describe people of indigenous (Indian) descent who were ashamed of their roots; they would heavily whiten their skin with powder and dress in European fashion, attempting to pass as wealthy aristocrats. Through his caricature, Posada mocked this snobbery, reminding everyone: “Death is absolutely democratic. Regardless of wealth or social class, in the end, we will all become skeletons.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The figure gained worldwide fame thanks to the renowned Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. In 1947, he depicted her as a full-length figure in an elegant dress in his monumental mural, “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Park.” It was Rivera who gave her the name “Catrina” (in the Mexican slang of the time, catr\u00edn<\/em> meant a “dandy” or “fop,” while catrina<\/em> referred to a “wealthy, sophisticated lady”).As you can see, all these symbols have developed only within the last century, evolving into dance processions, parades, and carnivals. This particular celebration kicks off a series of carnivals that take place across Latin America in its wake. And what\u2019s especially wonderful is that, finally, we get to see it here in Toronto, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the differences and similarities between the Day of the Dead and Halloween? Both holidays are rooted in an ancient belief that, on these days, the boundary between the world of the living and the spirit world becomes as thin as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are celebrated on the same days in autumn and are closely linked to the Catholic All Saints’ Day (November 1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In both cases, people use makeup and dress up in costumes. For Halloween, they choose scary or pop-culture-inspired looks, while for the Day of the Dead, they apply elaborate skull-themed makeup (Catrina) and wear vibrant outfits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sweets play an important role in both holidays, whether it\u2019s candy for children on Halloween or sugar skulls and “bread of the dead” for D\u00eda de los Muertos.On October 25, this celebration took place in Toronto for the fourth year in a row. The host mentioned that it was the most successful year yet in terms of the number of attendees. Indeed, there was a very large crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vibrant, fun, and delicious\u2014that\u2019s how I\u2019d describe the event. It gave me a boost that lasted the whole week. We even caught a performance by musicians from Mexico!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The renowned group M\u00e9xico Amigo Mariachi performed on stage at the Good Mourning Festival at Evergreen Brick Works (their concert took place from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM).I, along with everyone else present, was dancing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The main distinction lies in the very essence of these holidays: Halloween is rooted in a fear of malevolent spirits and the mystical, whereas the Day of the Dead (D\u00eda de los Muertos) is a joyful celebration of love, respect, and the remembrance of one\u2019s ancestors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n