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This is a photo of a monument in Mexico. Photo by Frankmx- Wikimedia commons

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Avenue of the Dead (Calzada de los Muertos)

The famous Avenue of the Dead (Calzada de los Muertos) stretches across the holy city of Teotihuacan and is more than 2 kilometers long and 40 meters wide. Various and small pyramidal structures can be seen along its route, culminating at the Pyramid of the Moon, which some researchers incorrectly identified as housing complexes for the ancient priests.

It is important to note that these structures are built on top of other ancient pyramids, and you can see that the city was ravaged by fires in ancient times.

While they are not regularly open to the general public – a peculiar feature of the holy city that few people are aware of – we recommend attempting to visit the inside of these buildings to appreciate the greatness that was once an admirable pre-Hispanic city of the distant past.

1.The Day of the Dead, also known as Da de los Muertos, is a celebration of life

On November 1 and 2, family and friends gather to honor their lost loved ones in spirited traditions that largely take place across Mexico, Latin America, and the United States. Gathering at cemeteries to enjoy traditional foods such as pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and calaveras (sugar skulls), dressing up in eye-catching costumes, and assembling colorful floral decorations, which often include symbolic marigolds, are all traditions.

“This tradition is rooted in the native Mexican belief that life on earth is a preparation for the next world and the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the dead,”  says Juan Aguirre, Executive Director of the Mexican culture non-profit Mano a Mano.

But what is at the heart of these well-known celebrations? Here’s a look at the Day of the Dead’s rich history, as well as some interesting facts about the Mexican holiday.

“This isn’t a funeral.” It’s not morbid, and it’s not meant to be eerie. “It’s about joy, color, flavor, and celebration, all the mixed emotions,”  adds James Beard Award-winning chef Pati Jinich.

“Having extreme sadness and extreme joy at the same time is very Mexican.”

Here’s a look at the Day of the Dead’s rich history, as well as some interesting facts about the Mexican holiday.

2.The Day of the Dead is not a solemn occasion

Avenue of the Dead and Pyramid of the Moon from the Pyramid of the Sun, archaeological site of Teotihuacan, Mexico. Photo by Cesar.Ruiz –Wikimedia commons

It is believed that during the ancient Mexican holiday, spirits of the dead return to the land of the living for a brief reunion. The community views death as a chance to start over.

Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead with parades, festivals, and other activities.

Though these traditions are universal, different regions of the country have their own unique ways of honoring the dead. Since 2016, Mexico City has held a boisterous parade complete with costumed entertainers, music and dance, and floats.

Michoacán is the destination for foodies, according to National Geographic. The people of La Huasteca Potosina enjoy day-long celebrations, whereas Aguascalientes’ festival of skulls lasts nearly a week and includes their annual skeleton parade, Legends of Mexico.

At Guanajuato’s University of Guanajuato, students create an altar honoring deceased scholars, which is popular with tourists taking photos.

3.Halloween has nothing to do with Dia de los Muertos

While Halloween and Day of the Dead have similar customs (candy, face painting, and community gatherings), they are not related. Halloween has ancient Celtic roots, whereas Day of the Dead has Indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America as its origins.

4.Halloween has nothing to do with Dia de los Muertos

While Halloween and Day of the Dead have similar customs (candy, face painting, and community gatherings), they are not related. Halloween has ancient Celtic roots, whereas Day of the Dead has Indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America as its origins.

5.The Day of the Dead was not always observed in November

When the Spaniards colonized Mexico in the 16th century, their Catholic beliefs about the dead influenced Mexican customs. Originally, Da de los Muertos was observed during the summer months. The holiday was moved to November 1 and 2 to coincide with All Saints Day and All Souls Day on the Catholic calendar. The first commemorates children who have died, while the second honors adults.

6.Altars, also known as ofrendas, are the focal point of celebrations

Taken from the top of the pyramid of the Moon, north of the complex. In the background you can see the Pyramid of the Sun. Photo by Juan Carlos Jaime- Wikimedia commons

To entice spirits back into the Land of the Living for the festivities, revellers build makeshift altars, or ofrendas, at their homes and at the gravesites of their loved ones who have died. Families congregate at the site to eat, share stories, and even clean the graves.

7.The four elements inspire offerings to the dead

Offerings for the spirits are placed on ofrendas to represent the four elements: fire, water, earth, and wind.

1. Fire: Candles are lit to help guide the spirits on their journey.
2. Water: Pitchers of water are left for travellers to the Land of the Living to quench their thirst.
3. Earth: A variety of traditional foods are prepared to aid in the nourishment of the deceased.
4. Wind: Papel picado are vibrant delicate paper banners strung in the wind.

They have intricate cut-out patterns that are said to allow souls to pass through. Altars are also embellished with sentimental photos, toys, marigolds, and skulls.

8.Traditional Mexican foods play an important role in celebrations

As previously stated, the earth element is an important part of the preparations for the ofrendas. And because that represents the food consumed throughout the holiday, it is effectively its own group.

9.Pan de Muerto translates as “dead bread”

Pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, is a yeast-based sweet egg bread that is widely consumed. Calabaza en tacha (candied pumpkin), calaveras (the famous sugar skulls), tamales, atole, and spicy Mexican hot chocolate are also popular.

10.A Mexican illustrator created one of the holiday’s most recognizable symbols, the signature skull face

Girl wears “sugar skull” (calavera) make-up for celebration of Día de Muertos. Photo by Cesar Augusto Ramirez Vallejo- Wikimedia commons

Even those who do not observe Day of the Dead are likely to be familiar with the holiday’s most famous symbol: calaveras, also known as skulls. You may have seen them as decorative face paint, costumes, delectable sugary treats, or even in Pixar’s Academy Award-winning animated film, Coco. But, like everything else associated with Dia de los Muertos, its significance has a long history.

Around 1910, Mexican illustrator Jose Guadalupe Posada created a satirical lithograph commenting on the political and social unrest of the time, particularly the elite’s proclivity to adopt Eurocentric customs. According to The Grace Museum, the image depicted Chicunamictlan, the Aztec underworld queen, as a skeleton wearing a decorative European-style hat.

Posada dubbed her La Catrina, a slang term for “the wealthy.” La Calavera Catrina translates to “elegant skull.”

Years later, in 1947, the celebrated mural Dream of a Sunday Afternoon was painted by famed artist Diego Rivera, who depicted an elaborately dressed La Catrina. La Catrina gained even more visibility among Mexicans after being displayed in Mexico City’s Alameda Park. She was a natural fit for Day of the Dead celebrations because she was a leader of the dead and an important part of Aztec history.