Celebrating Day Of The Dead with Karla Zazueta

Last week our friend Karla Zazueta of Mexican Food Memories walked us through the typical customs and etiquette of Mexican culture that she is familiar with, alongside some invaluable tips on how to throw the best taquiza (taco party). This week, Karla continues with the celebration of Mexican culture by sharing the significance of Dia De Los Muertos (Mexican Day Of The Day), and how she personally honours the festival.

Karla Zazueta:

2nd November is the day when all Mexicans head to the cemeteries to visit their loved ones that are no longer with us. It is the most important day of the year in the Mexican calendar. All the cemeteries turn into wonderful and beautiful cempasúchil displays, this being the most popular flower used for this occasion. The marigold flowers lighten the path of the dead to the land of the living, as a proper celebration of music, candles and food gets underway. This celebration has been part of Mexican culture for thousands of years - it originates from the Aztec rituals for the dead, and over the years this tradition has changed very little.

The altar, which is the centrepiece of the Day Of The Dead, is set up a few days before in people’s homes. Pictures of loved ones that have passed away are set on it, together with some memorabilia of the person that is being remembered, the food they used to loved eating, calaveras (candy skulls) and a delicious Pan de Muerto, which is a sweet bread that signifies the bones of the dead. All in all, the Day Of The Dead is a magnificent, meaningful and respectful way to welcome and remember those souls that are on the other side.

At home, in Mexico, we remember my dad and my grandparents. My family does a carnita asada - barbecue - as this was my Dad’s favourite thing in the world. We visit his tomb at the cemetery and we gather around telling stories of how he used to be when he was alive, saying some of his favourite phrases and jokes, like “ay! Mama! Or alli lo tenemos!”. We listen to his favourite music and bring his favourite food and, here in London, I always set up my altar to him and cook his favourite food.

Nowadays the Day of the Dead has crossed frontiers and it's being celebrated in a lot of countries. People dress up as skeletons and throw a party, which is wonderful, but it is important not to forget the true meaning of this celebration and remember that it is not only a fiesta, but a celebration full of love for those that have passed and now live in the world of the dead.