Celebrating Life by Honoring Death

"To the inhabitant of New York, Paris, or London, death is a word that is never uttered because it burns the lips. The Mexican on the other hand, frequents it, mocks it, caresses it, sleeps with it, entertains it; it is one of his favorite playthings and his most enduring love." - Octavio Paz, The Labyrinth of Solitude


I spent Friday evening at my favorite gallery-Chac Gallery and Cultural Center-and participated in their widely anticipated and highly celebrated Dia de los Muertos party. Traditional Aztec dancers, face painting, sugar skull decorating, a piñata and a "Tree of Life" all commemorated this event. The festivities continue through the months end, where between October 30th and early November Day of the Dead festivities will ramp up in communities across the United States and in other countries such as Mexico.

I remember learning about Dia de los Muertos intimately after my husband had died. I found solace in reading about any topic on grief and death as those were texts I could relate to. I picked up a book, Day of the Dead by Kitty Williams and Stevie Mack, and became intrigued that death could be a celebratory event, not just a sad one. The concept shook me to the core, as grief's painful grip had been clutching my heart. Slowly, thanks to the introduction to the celebration death could bring, I began to embrace the idea. I threw a Dia de los Muertos party, creating an altar where people brought pictures of loved ones passed and their favorite food items; the kids made paper flowers and decorated skull and skeleton coloring pages; we ate Pan de Muerto (Mexican bread of the dead) and lit candles. We drank, ate, and celebrated our loved ones with stories and a few tears. It was magical. To this day, I attend Dia de los Muertos celebrations at some point during the month of October into early November. I go to Mike's grave a little more often to just be reminded of having been touched by his life here on earth.

"We come only to sleep, only to dream. It is not true, it is not true that we come to live on this earth. We become as spring weeds, we grow green and open the petals of our hearts. Our body is a plant in flower, it gives flowers and it dies away." - Netzahual Coyotl, Poet and Ruler of Texcoco

If you are interested in learning more about Dia de los Muertos-the history, the imagery, the use of skulls, the creation of altars, the types of food, and other details-this article from National Geographic is very good. The Denver Botanic Gardens will be hosting their Dia de los Muertos celebration on November 5th, another opportunity for the whole family to learn about this tradition and celebration. Or, stop by the Chac Gallery off 7th and Santa Fe to get a true, authentic taste and education on this celebration.

From last year's Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Denver Botanic Gardens, enjoy some imagery I took of this celebration of life!