Ofrendas

As a Spanish teacher, you always are curious about holidays that you teach about in the classroom.  You question yourself: Are you presenting the most authentic and accurate information? Day of the Dead was always one of holidays that I truly wanted to experience.  And no, until you have experienced Day of the Dead in Mexico, you will not understand it.  I remember the first year I went was in 2014.  I was passing people in the airport with skull makeup on and just going about their day.  It was then that I knew this was truly going to be my thing. 

In 2015, I went on a Day of the Dead tour that a local guide was offering in Mexico City.  She showed us all around and the last stop was the Regina Street where there was a huge Day of the Dead altar competition.  Offerings (ofrendas) can be found generally in people's homes and are set up for the souls of the departed to return November 1st and 2nd.  They are also visible in most museums, schools, etc.  After seeing the Regina competition, I knew that the next year, I wanted to participate.  

In 2016 and 2017, I competed in the Regina competitions.  Nothing can compare to those two days in my book.  The collective feeling, the collaboration, the energy and the meaning are something I will cherish.