I would have to say that taking part in the celebration in the Tlalixtac cemetery on the night of November 2 for the Dia de los Muertos was one of the most unique experiences of my life. It definitely made an impression of me and I do believe that my thoughts of cemeteries and death have in a way been changed.
In the United States we have always been taught to fear death and especially cemeteries. These are places that you go to places to bury the death and then you return every now and then to place flowers on the graves of the deceased. It is a known fact that when in a cemetery you are quite and reverent. Children must stay right by their parents’ side, if they are even allowed to enter the cemetery. Most people in general are very scared and there is a belief that one must be respectful in a cemetery at all times and celebrating there is frowned upon.
On the night of November 2 we all saw something completely different. The cemetery in Tlalixtac was filled with people. Everyone was partying and having a great time. People were singing, laughing, and eating. Children were running around dressed up in masks asking for their dules and throwing fire crackers, many were even playing games of tag throughout the cemetery. It was such a joyous occasion in which they were celebrating the life of their deceased ancestors and celebrating the coming back of their ancestors’ souls to enjoy the ofrendas which have been left on the graves. The graves were adorned with everything including flowers, food, candles, and alcohol all for the souls of the dead to enjoy.
Rachel, Kara, Katie, and I decided to sit on a bench for a while to rest and observe all that was going on. That’s when we saw Erin who came over to talk to us. When she first walked up a firecracker that a little boy had thrown hit her in the foot. She screamed a little and all the kids around started to giggle.Erin then asked the little boy if she could try one of his firecrackers and he let her. When she threw it, it landed very close to the children’s parents and that was when our friendship began. For about an hour and a half we had so much fun talking to these three children. They were so funny and really smart. The little girl was named Daniela and she was 11 years old, she had a little brother who was about 5, and an older brother who was 12. After talking for only a few minutes Daniela walked up to me and gave me a banana as a gift. We continued to talk to them and they were very interested in what we were doing in Mexico and kept asking us when we were going to return. She was dressed in a beautiful white dress that she told us was her first communion dress. Her mom and dad were selling chinitas – chips and they gave three bags to eat. When it was time to go we said our goodbyes and they wanted each of us light a firecracker before leaving. This experience was so meaningful to us. For those few hours we felt like we were actually a part of their culture, taking part in their rituals for Dia de los Muertos. We did not feel like outsiders. People around us were offering us food and shots in hopes that we would enjoy their holiday celebration as much as they were and that is exactly what happened. Celebrating in the cemetery is an experience that I will never forget!
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