Join the candlelight procession on November 2nd at 6 pm as the dead are remembered. Anyone is welcome to set up their own altar, which come in all shapes and sizes. The altars (or ofrendas) are a key part of the event and are set up around the plaza. Local merchants are a big part of the celebration, with lots of great shopping, and several of the restaurants building altars of their own. The vendors sell original artwork, crafts and collectibles. Vendors will include scrumptious snacks and treats–not to mention all of the local restaurants which are ready to serve. Always popular is the folklorico dancers with their authentic costumes and wonderful choreography. During the three day event, the streets will come alive with music, vendors and entertainment. There could not be a better time to visit historic Mesilla than during the popular and well-attended Dios de los Muertos. This art represents the wind and the fragility of life. Costumes are a big part of the day, as is papel picado, the beautiful Mexican craft of pierced paper that is often seen in Mexican restaurants. Sugar skulls, part of a sugar art tradition, are pressed in molds and decorated with bright colors. The bones are often arranged in a circle to represent the circle of life. Other offerings might include pan de muerto, or bread of the dead which is a traditional sweet bread, sometimes decorated with bones and skulls. The altars, which are the center of the celebration are not meant for worshipping, but are meant to welcome the spirits back to the realm of the living, which is why the are filled with offerings such as water, food, family relics and photos and a candle for each departed relative. The rituals of the festival are very symbolic and the holiday is actually even recognized by UNESCO on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The belief is that the dead would be insulted by mourning and sadness, and hence, the celebration is joyous and festive. The deceased are also honored with sugar skulls, and marigolds (the flower of the dead). They are usually portrayed as enjoying life, dressed in fine clothing and in entertaining situations. One of the most familiar symbols of Dia de los Muertos are the calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls) which are featured everywhere during the holiday.
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