DAY OF THE DEAD PARADE, ART & MAKEUP: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, MEXICAN RITUAL. BREAD OF THE DEAD, CATRINA SKELETON.

Posted by La Carmina on December 17, 2011


DAY OF THE DEAD PARADE, Día de Muertos, ART & MAKEUP: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, MEXICAN CELEBRATION. BREAD OF THE DEAD, MAZATLAN MEXICO, SKELETON lady, catriona, la catrina, Mexico ritual honor dead, graveyards, altars, ofrendas, sugar skulls, cempasúchil, sugar skull art, calaveras, La Calavera de la Catrina, pan de muertos, skull crossbones decorated bread, day of the dead skull makeup, skeleton woman art statues

They call her La Catrina, or the elegant skull. She’s all bones, usually clad in a long robe and carrying a scythe. And this is her holiday: Day of the Dead.

On November 1st and 2nd, Mexicans honor those who have passed. But it’s not a gloomy holiday – quite the opposite. Day of the Dead is a vibrant celebration that shouts yes — the dead can dance.

DAY OF THE DEAD PARADE, Día de Muertos, ART & MAKEUP: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, MEXICAN CELEBRATION. BREAD OF THE DEAD, MAZATLAN MEXICO, SKELETON lady, catriona, la catrina, Mexico ritual honor dead, graveyards, altars, ofrendas, sugar skulls, cempasúchil, sugar skull art, calaveras, La Calavera de la Catrina, pan de muertos, skull crossbones decorated bread, day of the dead skull makeup, skeleton woman art statues

I had the pleasure of celebrating Dia de Los Muertos this year… in the historic district of Mazatlan, Mexico!

Horse cigar ring: gifted from Erica Anenberg
Dress: gifted from Sourpuss Clothing

DAY OF THE DEAD PARADE, Día de Muertos, ART & MAKEUP: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, MEXICAN CELEBRATION. BREAD OF THE DEAD, MAZATLAN MEXICO, SKELETON lady, catriona, la catrina, Mexico ritual honor dead, graveyards, altars, ofrendas, sugar skulls, cempasúchil, sugar skull art, calaveras, La Calavera de la Catrina, pan de muertos, skull crossbones decorated bread, day of the dead skull makeup, skeleton woman art statues

The ritual traces back to the Aztecs, who worshipped a god named ‘The Lady of the Dead’. In modern times, this ghoulish goddess is known as Catrina… And her image haunts every corner of Mazatlan.

DAY OF THE DEAD PARADE, Día de Muertos, ART & MAKEUP: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, MEXICAN CELEBRATION. BREAD OF THE DEAD, MAZATLAN MEXICO, SKELETON lady, catriona, la catrina, Mexico ritual honor dead, graveyards, altars, ofrendas, sugar skulls, cempasúchil, sugar skull art, calaveras, La Calavera de la Catrina, pan de muertos, skull crossbones decorated bread, day of the dead skull makeup, skeleton woman art statues

Night falls, and the darkest celebrations begin. Family members visit graveyards, sometimes camping out all night. They pray and share their favorite memories of the deceased.

DAY OF THE DEAD PARADE, Día de Muertos, ART & MAKEUP: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, MEXICAN CELEBRATION. BREAD OF THE DEAD, MAZATLAN MEXICO, SKELETON lady, catriona, la catrina, Mexico ritual honor dead, graveyards, altars, ofrendas, sugar skulls, cempasúchil, sugar skull art, calaveras, La Calavera de la Catrina, pan de muertos, skull crossbones decorated bread, day of the dead skull makeup, skeleton woman art statues

But I’m in the mood to dance. So I’m joining the Day of the Dead parade.

DAY OF THE DEAD PARADE, Día de Muertos, ART & MAKEUP: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, MEXICAN CELEBRATION. BREAD OF THE DEAD, MAZATLAN MEXICO, SKELETON lady, catriona, la catrina, Mexico ritual honor dead, graveyards, altars, ofrendas, sugar skulls, cempasúchil, sugar skull art, calaveras, La Calavera de la Catrina, pan de muertos, skull crossbones decorated bread, day of the dead skull makeup, skeleton woman art statues

Locals gather in Old Mazatlan for the annual procession. They’re put on elegant costumes and painted their faces like skulls. With folk music and firecrackers, the dead have come back to life.

DAY OF THE DEAD PARADE, Día de Muertos, ART & MAKEUP: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, MEXICAN CELEBRATION. BREAD OF THE DEAD, MAZATLAN MEXICO, SKELETON lady, catriona, la catrina, Mexico ritual honor dead, graveyards, altars, ofrendas, sugar skulls, cempasúchil, sugar skull art, calaveras, La Calavera de la Catrina, pan de muertos, skull crossbones decorated bread, day of the dead skull makeup, skeleton woman art statues

Lively, and slightly scary. (With my talented filmmaker, Melissa.)

DAY OF THE DEAD PARADE, Día de Muertos, ART & MAKEUP: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, MEXICAN CELEBRATION. BREAD OF THE DEAD, MAZATLAN MEXICO, SKELETON lady, catriona, la catrina, Mexico ritual honor dead, graveyards, altars, ofrendas, sugar skulls, cempasúchil, sugar skull art, calaveras, La Calavera de la Catrina, pan de muertos, skull crossbones decorated bread, day of the dead skull makeup, skeleton woman art statues

I saw many colorful altars to remember the dead. They’re decorated with real or paper marigolds, photos, favorite meals and objects. And, of course, sugar skulls - which have the name of the dead written on the forehead.

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There’s even a special food for the occasion: Bread of the Dead! Sold in Panama Bakery, It’s airy and sweet, and has a cross-bone on top. Don’t worry – it’s safe for the living to eat.

pulmonias, mexico open air taxis, mexican taxi, DAY OF THE DEAD PARADE, Día de Muertos, ART & MAKEUP: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, MEXICAN CELEBRATION. BREAD OF THE DEAD, MAZATLAN MEXICO, SKELETON lady, catriona, la catrina, Mexico ritual honor dead, graveyards, altars, ofrendas, sugar skulls, cempasúchil, sugar skull art, calaveras, La Calavera de la Catrina, pan de muertos, skull crossbones decorated bread, day of the dead skull makeup, skeleton woman art statues

When the party was over, I hopped into one of these pulmonias (open air taxis unique to Mazatlan). Time to crawl into my coffin!

Are you familiar with Day of the Dead? What did you think of the celebrations and visuals in this post? If you have questions, I invite you to leave a comment here or on my Facebook; I’ll be sure to reply.

Song of the Day: Voltaire – Day of the Dead

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Filed Under Fashion, Mexico + Central America, Nightcrawling
21 Comments
  • Mein

    I am mexican and I love Día de Muertos n_n it’s amazing :)

    • http://www.lacarmina.com/blog lacarmina

      I was amazed!

  • Francesca

    LOVE your unicorn ring and dress!!! Oh, and your shoes too!!! WANT!!! <3

    • http://www.lacarmina.com/blog lacarmina

      Hehehe yeahhhhhhhhhh

  • Voltaire

    Thanks for making my song Day of the Dead the song of the day!  ; )

    • http://www.lacarmina.com/blog lacarmina

      Thanks so much! Love your spooky work ;) We should collaborate on something, maybe one of my upcoming videos for Huffington Post. Here’s my bio — http://www.lacarmina.com/bio.php

      you can also email me at gothiccarmina (attt) gmail

      stay scary!!

  • Karmen

    Adorable dress! :)

  • Mimo

     LOOOOOVE!! xoxo

  • Kuro

    Cela doit etre fantastique d y être

  • Debbie

    I’ve always wanted to go, one day.

  • Kike

    skulls everywhere *0*

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7CB3AHUB2U2ONP2CSMHL2TU7JU NemoM

    Nice, l love it too, every year makeup and go to the cementery for celebration :D
    But not is Catriona is “CATRINA” ;)
    Voltaire is great! :)

    • http://www.lacarmina.com/blog lacarmina

      hahah I just changed it… reload and you’ll see it :)

  • Yami

    Nice review :D

  • Theroseofstonestreet

    This looks like a fabulous time! Also makes me think of the Sugar Skull jewelry I am working on ;)

    • http://www.lacarmina.com/blog lacarmina

      Ohhh wonderful! Can’t wait to see!

  • Kazel

     似合ってる!

  • Anna

    Cuteness overload alert!!!! ^-^ ♥ ♥ ♥ La Carmina!!! Ur cutier than Seba!!! *•* 

    • http://www.lacarmina.com/blog lacarmina

      xoxoxo

  • Lys

    Amazing, the coolest and fashionist way of traveling,

  • Kim

    Las Vegas, NV has a big celebration at a place called “Springs Preserve.” It started as a trial event and ended up being the years biggest money maker so it is on its third year and I expect will be permanent as long as crowds show up. It’s very nice. 
    I should add, my husband is from Mexico and is not as brave as you to go there for the celebration. He thinks it’s dangerous but nonetheless, it is on my to do list someday with my daughter. He can stay home! Lol…The photos you shared are nice and I loved seeing them. Thanks.