Watching the procession at Olvera Street
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| Photo courtesy of Jessica, another GIP student. |
Día de (los) Muertos, or Day of the Dead, originated in Mexico but is widely celebrated around the world. It's often believed to be an around 2500-3000 year-old tradition from different pre-Columbian cultures in Mexico. During these few days, family and friends gather to remember and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. People usually built private altars and ofrendas or visit cemeteries of their loves ones so the souls of the departed can return to hear the celebrations and prayers of the living.
We first explored Olvera Street during the half hour before the procession began. Many of the stores were already closed for the holiday, but the restaurants were bustling with eager customers. One of the girls in my group decided to get her face painted calavera-style.
I've never seen anything like the procession before. Music, copal (incense), and stories filled the air around me as the participants marched down Olvera Street. Most, if not all, of the participants were dressed up with their face painted. They walked all the way to the band stand, performing different dances and poetry for their loved ones.
We came a few days before Dia de los Muertos, so we experienced the festivals and atmosphere without the huge crowds. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, and I highly recommend the grades below me to come out next year.
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