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Every year on November 2nd Mexico celebrates el Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Don’t worry, it’s not nearly as scary as it sounds. The Day of the Dead is actually a day to fondly remember and honor friends and family that have passed on. Most Mexican families set up an altar in their home, which includes food, sweets, candles, flowers, and photos of their loved ones. Many times the favorite foods or drinks of the deceased family members are also placed on the altar.
The local market is the best place to find all of the items that are needed to create the perfect Day of the Dead altar. Right now Market 23 in downtown Cancun is filled to the brim with families shopping for all of the items they need. Halloween has also become quite popular in Mexico, so you can also find costumes and plastic pumpkin pails for trick-or-treating at the market. Mexican children generally dress up as, well, scary dead things, like devils and ghosts.
Mexican sweets or "dulces".
Flowers are an important part of the altar.
More sweets.
And more sweets. These are made from a vegetable called "camote".
Trick or treat!
Costumes.
Visiting a traditional Mexican market before el Dia de los Muertos is a sweet colorful cultural experience!
Is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer and community manager, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter
COMMENTS
25 Responses to “El Dia de los Muertos in Mexico: Visiting the Market”
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Chris M
My Birthday is on Nov.2nd, I’m still not sure if that’s a good or bad thing to be on this day in Mexico? We experienced Dia de Los Muertos on Isla Mujeres a few years ago, I would love to go somewhere else and really see what it’s all about!
Jane Sandona
The Day of the Dead celebration sounds exotic to us northerners. I would truly like to experience the colorful sights of Day of the Dead someday. i really love Riveria Maya and hope to return soon.
Carolyn Gates
I have never heard of The Day of the Dead before, what a great way to honor our loved ones that have passed before us.
lindsay tranter
LOVE THE DAY OF THE DEAD …..scary and fun
jacki ens
MY favorite time of the year ……i still trick or treat !!!! plus its my B-day …wish me luck and hope to see u soon
jodi kozloff
so colorful and cheery..would be nice view in the winter months
Michelle S
This sounds like an amazing cultural experience!
Joanna Bartonek
Missing Cancun and all of the great foods!! Would love to experience Dia de los Muertos in Mexico.
Jennie Nickerson
Wow, the colours are so bright and cheery for a “day of the dead.” I’d love to experience this tradition in Cancun!
Jean Pennie
Wish I was there! Would love to celebrate in Mexico for Dia de los Muertos.
Kenia
Always look forward to El Dia de los Muertos. We make a shrine and put pictures of all our loved ones that have passed away. Love to make the candy and the skulls. I can’t imagine how fun it would be to celebrate that day at Mexico.
Dirk Murray
Flowers, food and festivals!!!
Sonia
Good time to remember, reflect, and appreciate those who have passed before us. <3
Emma'le Blaydes
Looks like an amazing cultural experience! How fun!
Linda bundrick
I want to go to Cancun , Mexico with my family and explore the Yucatan and all its marvelous wonders.
d premack
would love to see YOUR part of the world on DAY OF THE DEAD …i have a few people id like to say hello to …lol
Holly C.
I have always wanted to visit during the ‘el Dia de los Muertos’!!
mary hawk
sounds like an amazing cultural experience!
Marlie Anderson
I love the way the departed are celebrated. One of my must do travel events. 🙂
José I. Díaz Centeno
Great article, but i think you forgot to mention here in the southeast mayans called this day Hanal Pixan, and they prepare mucbi pollo, great things you must look into to furhter understand dia de muertos in the different regions of mexico, like for example have you ever seen a picture of Janitzio michoacan dia de muertos celebration? http://goo.gl/4mPjQ <–check it out
Jessica
Dia de los Muertos is my favorite holiday! Would be interesting to see how it is celebrated in Riv May!
d premack
would love to come down and see the holiday
jacki ens
love the pics …hope to see you soon
Cheryl Almas
I would love to go there this winter.
Sandy
Would love to come down!