Day of the Dead: Our icons
By: Mariel Díaz
Life and death are an emblematic symbol that has caused admiration, fear and uncertainty to the human being throughout history. One of the most captivating traditions in Mexico is the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage; a very important day for Mexicans, it is not a common celebration: it is the celebration of life after death and the memory of loved ones who are no longer there. Many elements stand out in this celebration, for example food or offerings, but the most iconic are the skulls, being La Catrina the protagonist of this day.
Created by José Guadalupe Posada, La Catrina represented not only the dead but also a social critique of people who denied their indigenous roots to look like high society, that's why La Catrina initially only wore a hat and the rest was the naked body of the skeleton, bones being the representation of poverty and hat the hallmark of European high society in Mexico.
Later, the muralist Diego Rivera painted her with the elegant clothes as we know her now and then becomes a very important figure for the Mexican culture, it is no longer a criticism of the population but its relationship is an icon of the Day of the Dead.
Related to La Catrina, we have another type of skeleton, they are known as Calaveritas and are of a literature nature. These are verses that contain rhymes, about the death of a person, but actually it is not about a real death, it doesn't even have to be a deceased person or someone specific; it is a satirical way of describing the personality or relevant aspects about someone that can be funny.
The translation is "The death is looking for someone that can do her make up, because she want to go dancing to a great party on Saturday"
But just like La Catrina, its origins were not really these; when created, the Calaveritas were made to mock members of the state or government, which is why they were long censored until they were finally published in a newspaper in the 1840s.
In Hoteles Solaris de Mexico we live this tradition with a celebration full of joy, beliefs, colors, flavors, culture and customs.
Let's celebrate life this day of death!
Hoteles Solaris de México
