Day of the Dead Celebration

If you are lucky to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Sedona, Arizona it will become an unforgettable event. It’s hard to imagine a more colorful celebration and more abundant costumes than those you will see on the Day of the Dead.

The tradition of celebrating the Day of the Dead goes back to ancient Aztec custom of commemorating the dead relatives. It is a Mexican holiday that Spanish conquerors brought with them in the early 16^th century.

 The Day of the Dead is celebrated on the 1^st and 2^ndNovember and symbolizes the family reunion. It is believed that the souls of the dead return to their homes and their relatives celebrate this with a great feast.

Traditionally the food prepared on the Day of the Dead includes the relative’s favorite dishes and sweets in the form of sculls, skeletons and coffins.

Every family sets an altar with the skull inside adorned with flowers and other decorations. They bring offerings, foods and drinks, to the altar so that their relatives could also enjoy the delicious treats.

The altar with flowers is also decorated with candles lit at dusk. It is believed that candlelight guides the souls to their homes and helps them find the way in the dark.

Held from October 29 through November 2, the grand-scale celebration of the Day of the Dead in Sedona will take place in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village with its beautiful patios, fountains and dining venues.

 Here you will spot another the Day of the Dead tradition – decorating the streets and patios with “Papel Picado”, vibrant color paper-cut banners, and “La Calaca”, handmade figurines made of clay. These figurines symbolize the dead relatives. All this comes in combination with beautiful fall decorations that include pumpkins as well as other seasonal vegetables and fruits.

During the Day of the Dead people cook the most delicious and their favorite dishes.

 It’s the time to splurge on bountiful meals.

Experience gourmet dining at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and try some drinks like whisky and liqueur while enjoying your lavish meal at the patio. You can purchase drinks right there or consider ordering them online for your home collection at spiritsandspice.com. First time customers will enjoy 10% off their first order and free shipping on their purchase of over $150.

The festivities are accompanied by costume parades and dancing shows. Visitors are sure to meet La Catrina here and there. It is a skeleton in an elegant old-fashioned gown.

Entertainment and face painting are part of the tradition. So be prepared to run into men and women boasting skull makeup to look like her.

Of course, visiting the event like that you had better be prepared and come wearing the costume or at least some appropriate accessories. You can find them at Etsy as well as a wide range of souvenirs devoted to the Day of the Dead. If you don’t want to wear the costume, you can get at least the Day of the Dead headdress with traditional red roses or wear a scull mask.

The Day of the Dead is not about the mourning, it’s all about life and play, even if it’s a play with death, and celebrating the joy of life.

So, forget about your sorrows and dive into the costume fun. Cheers!