MEXICO DAY OF THE DEAD INTERVIEW WITH KIMBERLI

From your knowledge what's the significance of The Day of the Dead?

To my knowledge, the Day of the Dead is a celebration with lost loved ones. For those two days, the dead are able to walk among the living and families celebrate their return every year.

Where in Mexico did you celebrate?

Since I have some friends in Mexico City, I chose to celebrate there. I went to celebrate the life of my father, who had passed away suddenly in July, so it was a very important trip and I thought I'd need the support. I stayed on the main avenue where the parade is so I could be central to all the festivities around the city and not have to fight traffic for the event with the most crowds. 

Talk me through your day?

We arrived on October 31st and went straight to the largest cemetery in the city to visit the graves of some famous artists who I've always looked up to. The ofrendas were beautiful and everyone was very welcoming. 

The next day was the day when families can be reunited with their lost children and infants. On this day, we visited the town of Xochimilco and walked around the market and watched the boats go down the canals. On our way back to Mexico City, we went to Coyoacán, which was the home of Frida Kahlo. I've been to her home/museum before, so I didn't wait in that crazy line again, but the vendors in that area were plentiful. We ate some marigold ice cream and fought some bees for a few sugar skulls. Marigolds are supposed to lead the path for the spirits of your loved ones to find your home again, so we thought it was fitting. 

On the day of the parade, the day for lost adults, we got up early and went to get our faces painted. This was an AMAZING experience and everyone was so nice and helpful. We attended the parade after looking at the giant alebrijes. We got there an hour and a half early and found the perfect spot against the railings. We were able to see the parade close up. It was a whirlwind of colors, music, characters, dancers, calaveras, and stories. After this, we changed into dry clothes (it's very cold at this time of year and the rain was unrelenting) and headed down to the Zócalo, the site of Aztec ruins, to get a blessing where they blow smoke on you and chant your bad luck away. At this point in the night, there were so many people and we were so exhausted that we just crashed at the hotel. The next few days, you could feel a different energy to the city. There were less people and they weren't nearly as excited as the days leading up to and during the holiday. It felt like the days after Christmas in the U.S. when everyone is exhausted and we just relax and eat.

Was it a day of sadness or joy?

It was a day of mixed emotions. I wore a locket with my father's picture inside. For the the Day of the Dead celebrations, families make altars to their loved ones and that was a way for me to participate and feel close to my father. In a way, it was sad, because I was still mourning, but it also made me feel like I wasn't alone in my grief. So many people across the city and country were celebrating with their lost loved ones at the same time and it made me feel like we were all there for each other, reminiscing of the good memories that our loved ones left with us. Seeing the smiling skeletons prance about the city makes you feel like death is not something to be so afraid of for a couple days.

Did it live up to expectations?

It absolutely lived up to expectations. I laughed, cried, jumped with happiness and awe, and felt completely welcome. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

What were you most impressed with?

I was most impressed with how widespread the celebrations were. People young and old were partaking in the festivities and they lasted from the early morning and well into each night. Aesthetically, the colors and sounds were like something from a story book you read as a kid. The whole thing felt very surreal.

What was your favourite part of the day?

My favorite part of the day was the actual parade. It's something my dad would have loved and it felt very symbolic to be experiencing it during this particular holiday.

What was the food like?

The food in Mexico is always delicious. While Mexico City isn't my favorite place to eat in Mexico (Oaxaca takes that trophy), it's a close second. The food of the holiday - the sugar skulls, pan de muerto, and cempasuchil (marigold) ice cream - were an added bonus of sweet and whimsy.

What made you want to go to it?

I had always wanted to go because I love Mexican culture, but it was always one of those "I'll do it some day" and "It's on my bucket list" types of trips. One of my hobbies is studying the ancient cultures in the area, so I've always been obsessed with the idea of going during the holiday because its roots are so old. In August, I decided if I was ever going to go, it was going to be with my father's memory in tow. I booked the tickets on a whim on the side of the road one day on my way to the airport to fly down to Colombia. The price was over double my usual flights to Mexico, but it was absolutely worth it and I'm so glad I took the plunge.

How were the people?

Were they accommodating to tourists? The people were great, as usual! I would say they were even more welcoming than on my previous visits. I don't know whether this is because my Spanish is a little better now and I'm less helpless or because of the holiday spirit, but I appreciated it.

Did you feel safe?

I felt very safe. It's the same as any big city or big event. Just be careful. Though, I left my phone in a coffee shop and someone actually turned it in for me.

Did anything disappoint you about the day?

The only disappointing thing was that I hadn't prepared for the rain and cold, but I should have known better.

What would be your recommendations for travellers who would like to attend?

I would recommend staying near the parade. If you can, get a place closer to the Zócalo, so that won't have too far to walk/drive to the festivities after the parade. These recommendations are obviously for Mexico City, specifically, but that probably applies for most cities - settle close to the action. And wear layers and prepare for inclement weather. You never know - it could rain... hard... and you could have to watch the parade from inside a trash bag like I did. Be prepared! When the world is able to travel again, I'll likely go to Oaxaca for the next celebration. Each city has a different feel for the holiday, so research them before you choose.