The holidays of Halloween and Día de los Muertos are starting to blend in the larger cities of Mexico. Some traditionalists are not happy with this, as Halloween is seen as an infection on the true spirit of Day of the Dead, which is supposed to be a time to reflect on and celebrate the life of those departed, not an excuse to dress up and party at a bar.
To which I present this image as a counter argument.
The best Catrina of the night, with an adorable pumpkin.
There is a blending of the holidays, but most Mexicans I talk to make a clear distinction between the two holidays and celebrate each of them on their respective days. Halloween, after all, is the night before Día de Muertos, so it really just gives everyone an excuse to have another gathering with friends or family.
Also, as we see in the above picture, Mexican traditions surrounding Día de Muertos can be celebrated through the traditions of Halloween, the video I've posted below demonstrates how many people love showing off their sugar skull painting skills.
Finally, most people that celebrate Halloween don't realize that the traditions come out of a Celtic holiday called Samhain that is more similar to Día de Muertos than the current party day it has become in the U.S. Many cultures have holidays that include a time to honor the dead or ancestors. As our world becomes more mixed as people move more often, I find comfort that each can adopt aspects of each other's traditions, acknowledging we're more alike than different.
Altar in honor of Mathias Goeritz at the Hospicio Cabañas.
Catrina bikers, ready for action.
Memorials to The Disappeared in Parque Revolución.
