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Aztec Heritage
In the 16th century, the Spanish conquered the Aztec empire. During this event, the catholic church moved Indigenous Celebrations to November 1st and 2nd. The beliefs of indigenous peoples and catholic beliefs were merged. This was Día De Muertos. It is a day that honours the dead and is combined with the non-official practices of the afterlife. It is a Latin American Indigenous tradition. -
Some Background Info
During the events of the Day of the Dead, this is when people build little altars for their loved ones. They give ofrendas which are offerings to the souls of their loved ones. Candle lit photos are also placed on the alter. After many governments had ruled Mexico, this Day of the Dead tradition kept going even after it gained independence from Spain. -
Background Information
Even when the church and state had separated, the Day of The Dead still lived on and remained a religious celebration in Mexico. This holiday then had became more secular and recognized as part of the country's culture. -
La Catrina
During this period, there was a growing political art scene in Mexico. To mock politicians. Jose Guadalupe Posada had made skulls in his art. With this, it would make fun of politicians and as well comment on religion and death. Expressing religion and community through art was very common throughout Mexican culture. Posadas's most famous work was La Calavera Catrina, which was an etching from zinc of a skeleton lady. -
Festivities
After this, La Catrina became wildly popular and now is the face of the festival the day of the dead. The dress that La Catrina wears, is a French dress, and lots of makeup she wears to make her skin whiter. Posada drew satirical pictures to remind people that in the end everyone dies. This specific drawing shows people the significance in being your true self. To stop trying to be something they are not, and that even with everyone's differences we all end up dead in the end we are equal. -
Transformation Into Modern Day Society
In the 1970s, this was the time where Día de Los Muertos is now more transformed into the holiday that we see today. This holiday allows artists and activists to build identity, and recognize and celebrate their heritage. Chicano artists (American but of Mexican descent) have an insane history of using this holiday to show social justice movements and creativity. A group of Chicano artists had made the more "modern" celebrations in 73'.Self Help Graphics & Art which was a printmaking collective. -
2000s+
The artists originally wanted to incorporate the indigenous traditions into the holiday using parades, costumes art, and ofrendas. These celebrations have become very prominent in how the Day of the Dead is celebrated today. To celebrate the lives of those who were lost to gang violence is very important because it mixes the traditions and concerns that the communities face in the present. In the United States, Day of the Dead is a holiday that celebrates the influences of indigenous peoples. -
2000s+ (continued)
Celebrates the religious and artistic parts of their history. The Day of the Dead will continue to live on with reflections of the indigenous community and show how celebrating the ones you have lost is very important.