Couple on the Run: Dia de los Muertos

San Cristobal de las Casas

Chiapas, Mexico

October 29 - November 3, 2014

With our Central American tourist visas set to expire on November 2nd, we decided to make an excursion out of our "border run" and visit San Cristobal for their Day of the Dead celebration. Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, occurs over several days; it is a time to remember and honor family members who have passed away and to help them pass between worlds. Families build altars for their ancestors and deceased loved ones, including their favorite things like food, flowers, photos, candles and sometimes vices like booze and cigarettes. The community gathers at the cemetery where they decorate the family graves and place a piece of wood over it to act as a door out of the underworld. The days at the cemetery are filled with music, food, and lots of beer.

The markets are filled with fresh flowers, colored sawdust and fresh pine needles used to create altars and decorate graves.

Sugar skulls (and all kinds of sweet creations made of sugar, marzipan, etc) are a popular treat this time of year, and common on altars.

San Critobal's municipal altar building competition

We visited San Juan Chamula, a small indigenous village outside of San Cristobal to witness the graveside celebrations. Like so many celebrations here, Dia de los Muertos is a mix of ancient Mayan beliefs and Catholicism.

Ringing the bell at the church

Graveside celebration

Mayan shaman

Mayan crosses (were used by locals even before the arrival of Spaniards and the christian cross) signify the elements and movement of the sun and spirit.