Dia de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—originated in Mexico. Celebrated throughout Latin America on November 1, aka All Saints Day or All Souls Day, the Day of the Dead is a minor Catholic holiday based on the belief that the veil between the worlds of the living and dead are thin on that day. It is a fusion of Catholicism and Aztec traditions, wherein ancestors are celebrated with food, drink, parties, and activities. Ancestors, awakened from their eternal sleep, share celebrations with their loved ones. The most familiar symbol of Dia de los Muertos is the calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls), with skeletal dolls, figurines and masks depicting joyful aspects of life. In this case, mortality is not morbid, and the memories left by those who have passed have meaning that transcends their time on this planet due to the lives they touched.
Dia de los Muertos is celebrated throughout New Mexico. Based on our close ties to Mexico, that should surprise no one. My favorite place to enjoy Day of the Dead is the south valley in Albuquerque at the Muertos y Marigolds parade and after-party.
Muertos y Marigolds Parade
I love this event and have attended every year since returning to Albuquerque. It’s an interesting cultural experience; one that does not occur in areas lacking a strong, vibrant Latino influence. It celebrates local traditions and brings the community together on a beautiful autumn day.
Most of the parade participants are from local schools, community organizations, and small businesses, with the occasional politician participating. The focus is definitely local with a distinctly New Mexico vibe. The low rider entourage, helmed by skeletal drivers, dropping and using the modified suspension on their vehicles to make the cars dance as the crowd chants “low and slow.” The parade route ends at the West Side Community Center, with food, vendors and live music. No fee. Dates vary from year to year, but it is typically held on the first Sunday of November. The parade starting between noon and 1 PM. Get there early to find parking.
Spectator Participation
The event is family friendly, with loads of kiddie calaveras waiting for candy on the parade route. Their parents and grandparents accompany them, creating a multi-generational muertos montage. The entire experience is visually overwhelming. The spectators are just as involved as the parade participants. Calaveras couture lines the parade route, with many observers rivaling those involved in terms of costuming and makeup.
The first year that I attended I wasn’t prepared. No one told me that full calaveras battle rattle was necessary. I went to a Muertos y Marigold party and recognized my oversight immediately upon arrival. I was the only one at the party without a skeleton face. Unfortunately, I arrived late and they didn’t have any more white face paint. The closest hue was a glow in the dark substance. I thought it would be white enough. I was wrong.
With limited time, and no makeup skills, my first attempt at transforming myself into a sugar skull didn’t work at all. My ineptitude might have gone unnoticed were it not for the glow in the dark makeup. After the sun set, my botch make-up was glowing. It didn’t come off easily either. I had a residual glow for three nights. Lesson learned. I prepare thoroughly these days; allowing ample time to work on the make-up, charging batteries, and arriving early to secure parking that doesn’t involve walking a mile or two.
Tip: For photographers this is a spectacular event. Arrive early enough to walk the entire parade route before the parade actually begins. Some of the best shots are in the crowd.
