Mexico is a country rich in traditions, and there is no denying it. Amongst the population’s favorites is the celebration of death. Although in reality, they do not celebrate death in itself, but the life of those who parted. Death is generally portrayed as a sad event; it is hard to understand why someone has left. With time, pain and grieving transitions to pride for the life lived.
Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd every year across the country. One day is dedicated to adults and the other to children. Altars are erected across the country in representation of those who have left, giving them a guiding light to find their way back into the living world for a day to enjoy time with the friends and family they left behind.
There are many things to acknowledge about this lively yet grim celebration: altars, food, music, colors, dancing, parades, and much more. There is one thing people love and that is catrinas. Across the world – both virtual and physical – people paint their faces to resemble it. White foundation, black eyes, stitched mouths and a lot of creativity in decoration.
Sometime between 1910 and 1913, Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada sketched the first Catrina, which went on to become Mexico’s icon and symbol of Day of the Dead.
We don’t exactly know where the time has gone; but it’s mid October once more and the Top Mexico Real Estate team is over-the-moon excited with the news that our annual Catrina Fest is back. In case you missed out in previous years, our team is particularly festive and this is not a party we want to miss out on.
If you’re looking for the perfect photo opportunity while engaging in one of Mexico’s most beautiful traditions, join us for our yearly parade down 5th Avenue. Last year, four 3-meter tall catrinas created by our team pranced down the famous cobblestone street taking photos with tourists and locals alike while spreading the joy that this holiday means to us.
Want to be a part of it this year? Join us! We will be parting from the Quinta Alegria shopping mall in the heart of Playa del Carmen and will parade down to 12th street with 5th avenue. We will be pausing for photos and dancing – and don’t tell the kids, but we might even hand candy out!
