Day of the Dead - Oaxaca

 The Dia de los Muertos celebration, otherwise known as the Day of the Dead Festival, dates back to the Aztecs with their celebration of the goddess Mictecacihuatl, the Lady of the Dead. Despite the pagan roots, the festival has evolved to include Christian beliefs. One of the most renowned places to partake in this event is in the town of Oaxaca Mexico, located about 500 kilometers outside of Mexico City.

The festival honors the beloved that have passed on. Rituals such as the construction of private alters with sacrifices of the deceased favorite things, ornamental sugar skulls and decorating with marigolds is common practice. Many people believe that during the two days of celebration, the souls of the departed can contact the living. One of the largest attractions of the festival is the sunset processional to Panteon Municipal, the local cemetary. The festival features carnivals, candles and burning incense. Mariachi bands, public prayers and traditional feasting.

Links

• Website: http://www.diademuertos.net/