Dia de los Muertos 2014
Morelia-Yakima Sister City Association Dia de los Muertos 2014 celebration
History of Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos is celebrated in many cities in Mexico with the celebration in Patzcuaro, Michoacán as the best known. It is a commemoration that preserves respect, remembrance and veneration of those dear to us who are no longer alive. It dates to pre-Colombian Mexico, 3000 years ago with the Aztecs who viewed death as a continuation of life. It is a blend of ancient Aztec customs and traditions and the Catholic ones of the Spanish Conquistadores—the celebration of All Saints (Nov. 1st) and all Souls Nov. 2nd) days.
Items left at the altars have a special meaning to those who construct them. The colors, candles and molded-decorated skulls are all significant.
• The three tiered altar represents birth, living and death.
• Colors used signify pain (purple), hope (white) and celebration (pink).
• The three sugar skulls represent the Holy Trinity and a larger skull stands for the “giver of life.”
• Other items include “pan de muertos” and other favorite foods of the deceased.
The Calaveras or skeletons are the major symbols of any Día de los Muertos celebration along with a lady of many names—La Catrina, La Flaca, La Huesuda or Pelona. A fixture in Mexican society, she is not some fashion model but LA MUERTE-DEATH.
Read MoreHistory of Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos is celebrated in many cities in Mexico with the celebration in Patzcuaro, Michoacán as the best known. It is a commemoration that preserves respect, remembrance and veneration of those dear to us who are no longer alive. It dates to pre-Colombian Mexico, 3000 years ago with the Aztecs who viewed death as a continuation of life. It is a blend of ancient Aztec customs and traditions and the Catholic ones of the Spanish Conquistadores—the celebration of All Saints (Nov. 1st) and all Souls Nov. 2nd) days.
Items left at the altars have a special meaning to those who construct them. The colors, candles and molded-decorated skulls are all significant.
• The three tiered altar represents birth, living and death.
• Colors used signify pain (purple), hope (white) and celebration (pink).
• The three sugar skulls represent the Holy Trinity and a larger skull stands for the “giver of life.”
• Other items include “pan de muertos” and other favorite foods of the deceased.
The Calaveras or skeletons are the major symbols of any Día de los Muertos celebration along with a lady of many names—La Catrina, La Flaca, La Huesuda or Pelona. A fixture in Mexican society, she is not some fashion model but LA MUERTE-DEATH.
14. Polo Aguilera: This altar honors Polo Aguilera, founder and first President of Yakima-Morelia Sister City Assn. Born in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico in 1950, Polo came to Yakima in 1987. He served as Choir Director at St. Joseph Parish, owned and operated La Petunia Bakery, was a member of Los Trovadores mariachi group and was a board member of Instituto del Mexicanos en el Exterior. Polo passed away April 1, 2004.
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