Portal de Vivos y Muertos @ Topia Retreat in Todos Santos
The day is a full immersion into the most important tradition of Mexico; and we begin with a mediation and deep connection to welcome our dead ones.
Far from being a morbid event, this national holiday of the Dia de Muertos, emphasizes remembrance of past lives and expresses celebration of the continuity of life. We will start with the remembrance ritual of creating ofrendas —altars with offerings to the deceased and review each of the elements of the altar and create a community altar together.
Then we discuss Catrina, and participate in the transformation by an artist into her...you are welcome to transform yourself; and this is both for men and women to experience. We will learn the story of the “The elegant skull”— that was originally conceived by Mexican engraver José Guadalupe Posada.
Over a delicious dinner, we will share memories of our dear ones and finish our day by the bonfire with one of the culinary highlights of the season Pan de Muerto —Bread of the Dead; a semi-sweet, sugar-dusted bread made from eggs and infused with natural citrus fruit flavors. It’s traditionally taken with hot chocolate that has been mixed with cinnamon.
There are limited spaces, Book here!
Price: $5,999 MX
Includes lunch, dinner, snacks, all materials for the altar, Catrina material (make up or crown), and a souvenir.
About the holiday: Mexico is known throughout the world for its beaches, deserts, flora, fauna, amazing landscapes, its charm, color, culture, flavors, and vibrant ancient traditions. The Day of the Dead is, perhaps, one of the most beautiful and important traditions in the country. UNESCO recognizes this day as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mexico. This festive and colorful festival that celebrates the lives of those who have passed away, is a mixture of nostalgia and happiness where the altars are a metaphor for life, leading the souls of the dead to reunite with the living. Photographs, favorite objects, bread of the dead, cempasúchil, alfeñiques, the favorite food of the deceased and candles are part of the offerings. The streets are full of colors, Catrinas parading in flashy costumes, the copal smoke creating a peaceful cloud of powerful and divine incense... and suddenly everything gives life to this day. The spirits return to the world of the living for one day of the year to be with their families!
In pre-Hispanic times, the dead were buried near the home of their relatives (often in a tomb under the central patio of the house) much emphasis was placed on maintaining ties with deceased ancestors who were believed to continue to exist on a different world. With the arrival of the Spanish and Catholicism, the practices of All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day were incorporated into pre-Hispanic beliefs and customs and the festival was celebrated as we know it today. The spirits of dead infants and children called Little Angels are said to arrive on October 31 at Midnight, spend a whole day with their families, and then leave. This day is called All Saints' Day. The adults arrive the next day, November 2, Day of the Dead.