USA.- Day of the Death It is one of the most important celebrations in Mexico, this festivity is a tradition that characterizes and distinguishes Mexico of the other countries, because in it we celebrate our departed loved ones, remembering them with love and pampering them with what they liked as if they were still among us.
However, even though the Day of the Dead is a 100 percent Mexican celebration, in USA They also tend to celebrate it, since 36.6 million people of Mexican origin live in this country, according to figures from the Pew Research Center.
It is worth mentioning that, although around 50% of those born in Mexico have been in USA for more than 20 years they still preserve their traditions, including that of Day of the Dead And they celebrate it the same way.
In USAcities with large Mexican populations such as Los Angeles, Chicago and San Antonio they also host celebrations, including parades, expos and street fairs, according to The New York Times.
The Altar of the Dead
Day of the Death it is customary to put an altar which usually has several levels: those with two levels symbolize the earth and the sky; those of three levels can represent heaven, earth and purgatory, while seven levels mean the seven steps to enter the afterlife, or the seven deadly sins.
Each offering includes elements that correspond to the four elements: earth, water, air and fire. Ashes generally represent the earth.
A glass of water helps spirits quench their thirst after a long journey, and elaborately patterned confetti is commonly used to represent air. Candles signify fire and help guide the dead home.
Sweet or chocolate skulls are also placed in the offerings as well as bread of the dead.
It is also important to put food, drink and other items that have been important to the dead as well as burn copal, a kind of incense to purify the space.
Likewise, as in Mexico, in the United States, many of them place offerings in their homes, they go to cemeteries, hold parades, small gatherings or paint their faces like catrinas.
How is the Day of the Dead celebrated in some US states?
Day of the Death It is also celebrated in the district of Fruitvale in Oakland, Calif.. “The Museum of Mexican Art in Austin, Texassponsors the creation of community altars along with a Viva la Vida Festival”.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, there is a community festival of catrinas with artists and dancers. EDSITEment notes that the SOMArts Cultural Center in San Francisco, California, presents an annual exhibition of the Day of the Dead in which artists are invited to install unique altars and expand to other forms of creation.
“The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago has a dance of the Day of the Dead along with a host of other festive offerings. Sugar skull art is an expressive means of preserving the traditions of this holiday.”
Offerings are also placed in some American homes. In the squares they adorn with cempasuchil and festivals around tradition are held in schools, as mentioned by the Azteca América outlet.
#Day #Dead #celebrated #United #States