So many wondrous things to explore in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico. This is the time of Dia de Muertos or Day of the Dead. I am sharing the visual beauty and the joy of the festivals and beautiful altars honoring the friends and family members who have passed.

The spiritual tradition and practices are described  in this excerpt from Day of the Dead, the most emotional holiday in Mexico:

The tradition of these festivals has a pre-Hispanic origin, since the Mexicas celebrated their dead after the harvest season, between the months of September to November. This tradition was syncretized with the beliefs of the Spanish conquistadors, with certain modifications, but with the same essence.

In the offerings, we place certain elements that show this mixture of beliefs, as well as the love that each family reflects in the arrangements of each altar. They cannot be missing:

• Watchers and candles. It is the light that guides and gives peace and hope to souls.
• Incense. It is the aroma that purifies the environment.
• Water. It cannot be lacking, so the thirst of our deceased can be calm.
• Sal. It is placed so that the spirit that arrives visiting is not lost or corrupted during their stay in the world of the living.
• Cempasúchil flower. It is believed that its aroma and color help souls to reach their offering, which by 2021 achieved a production of 2 million 800 thousand plants.
• Dead bread. Traditional which by its form represents the cycle of life and death.
• Fruit. In addition to the preferred foods of the deceased, there are traditional fruits that are placed in the offering.
• Skulls. In ancient times, real skulls were used and were later replaced with skulls made of sugar, chocolate or amaranth.
• Chopped paper. not only does it color the offering, but it represents the air, one of the four elements that must be present in any offering.
• Food. It is customary to place the favorite foods of the deceased.
• Photos. The images of the people who are honored with that offering are placed, being the most emotional and important detail.

At this time, continue our tradition, honor your deceased and celebrate life through death, filling your home with color and flavor with a unique offering.

To learn about the history go here:
The Origin of the Day of the Dead 

Here are a few highlights. Be sure to view all the pages for each gallery.

Wandering About

All the shops and restaurants were decorated for the celebrations. And the streets all had altars dedicated to friends and family who had passed away.

Catrinas En Caballos – Catrinas on Horses

We were fortunate to be able to attend spectacular event where women, dressed as Catrinas, demonstrate their horse riding skills.

The still photos give you an opportunity to see the remarkable costumes, but as you watch the video belowyou will see over 50 prance into the ring.

Later groups of four perform together. There are also some adorable young beginners. We’ve never seen anything like it.

Catrinas En Caballos – Video