Celebrating Life and Death: The Day of the Dead in Mexico
Ah, the Day of the Dead in Mexico! A time when locals show the world that death is not the end, but rather an opportunity for a fantastic shindig. You see, this isn’t just any ol’ fiesta; it’s a celebration that goes back to the days when our distant relatives were chipping away at their obsidian and crafting fine altars instead of swiping right on dating apps.
With roots that can be traced way back to pre-Hispanic times, this festive day isn’t about mourning, but rather about making friends with the deceased. Imagine a deity of death – doesn’t exactly scream ‘party pooper,’ does it? Instead, these festivities involve decking out homes, streets, and let’s not forget public buildings, with elaborate altars. And speaking of altars, one of the brightest stars in this cultural extravaganza happens to be the monumental altar located at Citibanamex.
Citibanamex: Where Money Meets Memory
Located smack dab in the historic heart of Mexico City, the Citibanamex-Palacio de Iturbide Cultural Palace has got its game face on with a monumental altar dedicated to over 120 dear departed souls who have had a hand in various cultural gigs. Yes, you heard it right – these aren’t just random folks! We’re talking noteworthy contributors from around the cultural block, ranging from editorial wizards to exhibition gurus and even restoration magicians.
This altar, crafted with the finesse of renowned designer Cristina Faesler and a team of super-talented artisans, stands tall (well, it’s likely quite wide too) as a testament to Mexico’s deep respect for those who’ve slipped the surly bonds of life. And if you think floral arrangements are just for weddings, you clearly haven’t seen the dazzling paper flowers made by artisans like María Ayala and Leticia Sánchez that will leave any bouquet looking like a shabby afterthought!
A Bask of Artistry
But wait, there’s more! This altar isn’t a stand-alone exhibit; it features masterpieces from the Collection of the Great Masters of Popular Art of Fomento Cultural Citibanamex. Whether it’s the traditional cartonería crafted by the Linares family or the exquisite majolica from César Torres’ workshop, it’s a feast for the eyes. Who knew mourning could be so aesthetically pleasing?
And don’t even get me started on the varied materials involved; we have everything from clay pieces by Alfonso Soteno to that fabulous silver mirror from Casa Ilaria. It’s like strolling through a Mexican craft fair, except the vendors are all, well, deceased!
The Heartbeat of a Nation
As Citibanamex aptly puts it, the Day of the Dead festivity has morphed into a national ritual celebrated with flair, fun, and, let’s face it, a bit of cheekiness! Altars can range from simple, sporting just the essentials—a few images of saints, the dearly departed’s portrait, candles, fruits, and a scattering of marigold petals—to monumental displays that would make even the most elaborate weddings look like a sad picnic.
As they say, when it comes to honoring the dead in style, Mexico takes home the gold medal. And what better way to show gratitude and affection to those who have supported cultural promotion than with a monumental altar? Take note, weddings—this is how you do a proper tribute!
Visit if You Dare!
If you’re feeling brave and want to mingle with the spirits of the past, the Iturbide Palace is waiting for you at Avenida Francisco I. Madero 17, Historic Center of Mexico City, Centro, Colonia Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Mexico City, CDMX. Just make sure your sense of humor is intact, because celebrating death doesn’t mean we have to get all gloomy about it! It’s a party, after all—one where the guests don’t even have to RSVP!
So, bring your brightest marigolds and the stories of those gone but not forgotten. After all, it’s a celebration of life… and a reminder that a little laughter can echo across the ages.
In Mexico the Day of the Dead is one of the celebrations with the greatest tradition and roots; Its origins are pre-Hispanic since the first inhabitants of the region used to celebrate death, even considering it a deity.
Over the years, the celebrations of the Day of the Dead have become consolidated in popular taste, and one of the greatest traditions is to put in homes, streets and even public buildings, an altar dedicated to remembering those who are no longer in this world, but with a celebratory focus. In this context, one of the most visited altars in the country, due to its enviable location in the historic center of the Mexican capital, is the one that has been installed for years Citibanamex through its cultural promotion unit.
The National Bank of Mexico presented his monumental Altar of the Dead, which will be exhibited until November 11, 2024 at the Citibanamex-Palacio de Iturbide Cultural Palace.
“The offering has been dedicated to more than 120 people who have collaborated with Fomento Cultural and who were key players in various projects over several years, whether they were editorial, exhibition, academic development or restoration projects,” the institution said.
The Altar of the Dead. Friends and collaborators of Fomento Cultural Citibanamex It was designed by Cristina Faesler and has the interventions of the artisans María Ayala, Iliana Baena Cuevas and Leticia Sánchez Cuahuititla who made the paper flowers; José Luis Cuevas who works with the cut sheet; Luis Piña who made the remembered sheet and candelabras; Raymundo Amezcua Sánchez who works with embossed aluminum; and Anselmo Pérez Guerrero who made the scaled sails.
Likewise, pieces from the Collection of the Great Masters of Popular Art of Fomento Cultural Citibanamex are exhibited, which include the traditional cartonería of the Linares family from Mexico City; majolica from the workshop of César Torres de Puebla; a scratched lacquer trunk from the Escudero family of Olinalá, Guerrero; clay pieces by Alfonso Soteno from Metepec, State of Mexico; glass bottles by José Cruz Guillén from Mexico City; tenates made by Tecla López Mendoza from San Pedro Xocotipac, Oaxaca; and a silver mirror from Casa Ilaria in Cuzco, Peru.
«The Day of the Dead festivity has become a ritual that the entire population of Mexico celebrates and whose main characteristic is the installation of an altar for the dead. There are simple altars, composed of some images of saints and the portrait of the deceased, which are accompanied with simple or scaled candles, some fruits, water, salt, bread and a guide of marigold flowers that ends with a small cross in the highest,” explained Citibanamex.
«The creation of the monumental altar of the dead displayed in the Citibanamex Cultural Palace–Palacio de Iturbide is a testimony of the deep respect, gratitude and affection that Fomento Cultural Citibanamex has for each of the people who participated in the work of our institution. in favor of promoting, preserving and disseminating Mexican culture,” the bank concluded.
The Iturbide Palace is located at Avenida Francisco I. Madero 17, Historic Center of Mexico City, Centro, Colonia Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Mexico City, CDMX.
**Interview with Maria Espinosa, Cultural Anthropologist and Day of the Dead Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Maria! The Day of the Dead is such a vibrant celebration in Mexico. Can you explain its significance and how it differs from traditional views of death?
**Maria:** Absolutely! The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a beautiful occasion that integrates joy and remembrance. Unlike many cultures that view death with sorrow, Mexicans celebrate it as a return to us. It’s a time when we honor those who have passed, believing that their spirits come back to join the living. It’s a festive moment where life and death are intertwined, not seen in opposition.
**Editor:** That’s a fascinating perspective! We’ve heard about the monumental altar at Citibanamex designed by Cristina Faesler. Can you share what makes this altar particularly special?
**Maria:** The altar at Citibanamex is extraordinary because it pays tribute to over 120 individuals who have contributed to Mexican culture through various fields, such as art, literature, and restoration. This specific focus adds depth—it’s not just about aesthetic; it celebrates and recognizes the legacies of those who have impacted society. Plus, the craftsmanship involved, from the stunning paper flowers made by artisans to the use of traditional materials, showcases the rich cultural artistry of Mexico.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s a lot of artistry involved! Can you tell us about the types of items you might find on an altar during the Day of the Dead celebrations?
**Maria:** Certainly! An altar typically features photographs of the deceased, along with their favorite foods, beverages, and mementos. You’ll often see marigolds, which are thought to guide spirits back, along with candles to light their path. Each alter is as unique as the individual it honors, incorporating personal touches to resonate with the family’s memories. The blend of these elements turns mourning into a beautifully visual celebration.
**Editor:** That’s incredible! What do you hope people take away from experiencing the Day of the Dead celebration, particularly at locations like Citibanamex?
**Maria:** I hope that visitors come away with a deeper appreciation for Mexican culture and the way we view life and death. It’s a reminder that we can remember our loved ones joyously rather than with sadness. The Day of the Dead invites everyone to embrace the circle of life, find beauty in memory, and understand that laughter can echo through even the hardest moments.
**Editor:** Thank you, Maria! Your insights certainly shed light on the rich tradition and significance of the Day of the Dead.
**Maria:** Thank you for having me! I encourage everyone to visit and partake in this incredible celebration if they can. It’s truly a unique experience.
