Dia de Los Muertos Festival happening November 2, 2024 in Downtown San Juan
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Discover the Culture of Dia de los muertos
Experience Dia de Los Muertos on DOWNTOWN SAN JUAN CULTURAL ARTS DISTRICT
Enjoy a day filled with food and drinks, purchase from local artisans, marvel at public artwork showcasing beautiful “alfombras de aserrin,” a religious candle-light vigil, and a fabulous concert featuring the RGV Chamber Orchestra and Nationally renowned UTRGV’s Mariachi Aztlan, all dedicated in loving memory of those who have passed. We welcome you to celebrate and honor our Mexican heritage and this beautiful celebration of life and death. Free Admission. VIP Tickets Sold Separately.
Symbols of Dia de los muertos
La Catrina
Pan de Muerto
La Catrina
La Catrina is a popular skeleton figure that is seen everywhere on Dia de los Muertos. She was created by José Guadalupe Posada, a famous Mexican artist.
She was designed as a satire of Mexicans who were trying to dress like affluent Europeans. La Catrina was created to remind people that they must be themselves and not try to imitate others.
Ofrendas
Pan de Muerto
La Catrina
- Mestizo origins (Spanish and Indian heritage)
- The Aztecs made images out of wood, covered with tzoalli (amaranth seed) dough shaped into human form
USES
- An altar space for prayer
- A place to display food that has been prepared for the soul invited to dinner
- The food isn’t believed to be actually eaten, it’s done in honor of what they enjoyed in life, and so they can enjoy the aroma of it
Pan de Muerto
Pan de Muerto
Pan de Muerto
- Not attributed to the similar Aztec tradition of amaranth figurines! There’s an important distinction...
- Mexicans today make sculpted breads & candies specifically to be presented as gifts and offerings
- Candy images are named after specific living people as a humorous token of affection, eventually consumed
- Meanwhile, the amaranth figuri
- Not attributed to the similar Aztec tradition of amaranth figurines! There’s an important distinction...
- Mexicans today make sculpted breads & candies specifically to be presented as gifts and offerings
- Candy images are named after specific living people as a humorous token of affection, eventually consumed
- Meanwhile, the amaranth figurines themselves were offered food and treated as sacred, even if they are eaten after the ritual service in question
- They differentiated between the manner in which people died or how they were disposed of, which isn’t true for bread and candy today
- So while its origins are more colonial than pre-Hispanic, it’s so separate from its mother country that it’s distinctly Mexican
Alfombras
Pan de Muerto
Pan de Muerto
The Origin of Alfombras
Alfombras were first introduced to Guatemala in 1524, in the city of Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala (now Antigua Guatemala). This tradition was brought by Spanish conquistadors to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, and it has since evolved into a key element of religious expression during Lent and Holy
The Origin of Alfombras
Alfombras were first introduced to Guatemala in 1524, in the city of Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala (now Antigua Guatemala). This tradition was brought by Spanish conquistadors to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, and it has since evolved into a key element of religious expression during Lent and Holy Week. Alfombras are carpets made from various plants and flowers, designed to honor the Passion of Christ by lining processional routes during religious processions.
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Why do they use Alfombras
Alfombras are not only decorative but also hold deep religious meaning. The act of creating these carpets reflects devotion, sacrifice, and humility, honoring the Passion of Christ. By walking over the alfombras during processions, participants reinforce the spiritual connection between their faith and the cultural tradition. These carpets, with their intricate designs and symbolic use of natural elements, serve as a form of visual prayer.
the Distinction: Día de los Muertos vs Día de los Angelitos
Celebrated on November 2
Celebrated on November 2 it celebrates, and honors all departed loved ones with joy. Both Día de Los Angelitos and Día de Los Muertos bring families together to remember and love those who are no longer with us.
Celebrated on November 1
It celebrates the lives of innocent children from babies, toddlers, who briefly lived on earth. It has that name, since it’s "commonly believed that all children are innocent and ascend into heaven where they become angels".The atmosphere for Dia de Los Angelitos is cheerful and playful which is why you will see balloons on the altar instead of paper banners.