The West dominates. We have all become little Americans, as much as we don’t accept it, we adopt the American lifestyle. From our style, to our eating habits, to our communication, to our lifestyle, everything revolves around the hyper-reality of the USA. So to adopt it Halloween it was only a matter of time before it happened. Is there anything wrong with all of this? Superficially and in terms of entertainment, no. But the enemy of the good is the best. And when the “Day of the Dead”, then Halloween becomes a cop-out.
What is Dia De Los Muertos
The Day of the Dead was started several thousand years ago by the Aztecs who considered mourning the dead to be disrespectful. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit – and during the Day of the Dead, they temporarily returned to Earth. Today, every year, it transforms boys and girls into charming and at the same time eerie figures, the catrinas that pour into the streets of the city and invite us to remember and celebrate with them the wonderful moments we lived with those who are no longer here.
Because behind the impressive make-up, the “rich” costumes, the spooky decorations, the sugar calaveras, the characteristic orange flowers and the corresponding themed parties, the deepest essence of Día de los Muertos lies in the universal human need to “retaliate” even if conceivably with our own people, who have passed away, to meet because of an upbeat and fun occasion.
This particular celebration began long before the Spanish arrived in Mexico, while at first it was celebrated in the summer. Gradually, however, it was moved to autumn, to coincide with the Halloween and All Saints’ Day celebrations.
But why is it worth celebrating compared to Halloween?
On the one hand, because we will not celebrate midweek at every event. Our pocket and body cannot bear it. We in Greece are closer to the Day of the Dead. And we explain ourselves.
Food
Who can resist Mexican cuisine? Burritos, tacos, nachos. Mexican cuisine is full of colors, tensions, aromas and flavors. It plays with corn, avocado, hot peppers, lime, chocolate and of course cilantro. In Greece we love this Latin cuisine and if you are a fan of hot, then there is absolutely no dilemma as to who is the winner of the night between Halloween and Day of the Dead.
Tequila
It doesn’t matter if you are a fan of vodka, gin or whiskey. This particular day is dedicated to tequila. During the student years we drank it in shots until we were exhausted, now we have to be more conservative. But whether white or yellow, tequila should flow in the mouth and warm our hearts. And here you can read about her special pairing.
Calavera Catrina
You don’t have to wear a crappy outfit, or decorate a pumpkin. Calavera Catrina is there for you and all your company. Whether male or female, skull makeup on the Day of the Dead is the Mexican people’s way of honoring their dead, their ancestors, those who are no longer with them. It is a way to celebrate the lives lost, to show the dead that no one has forgotten them here and they won’t. Therefore, before starting the make up it is necessary to do a little research on the roots of this particular tradition.
And bad lies, it’s more impressive for your Instagram post.
