Día de Muertos at the Mexican Embassy in Ireland- Seeing death differently 

Día de Muertos

The Mexican Embassy in Ireland is hosting a special Día de Muertos celebration this Friday and Saturday. The Embassy is celebrating the ‘Day of the Dead’ with lively spirits. Unlike Halloween’s spooky vibe, Día de Muertos is a rather cheerful and colourful festivity that honours the life of dead loved ones.  

Celebration of the ‘Day of the Dead’ at the Mexican Embassy in Dublin will focus on promoting the cultural enrichment of both countries. The event will feature both indoor and outdoor celebrations where the Mexican cuisine will be available for purchase. 

What is Día de Muertos?

Día de Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a unique celebration in Mexico that is celebrated every year for those who have passed away. Rather than feeling sad for the loved ones, the tradition celebrates the souls of those who are now in a better place. 

The custom has existed for hundreds of years, during the Aztecs, Toltecs, Mayans and Olmecs. It is not about feeling gloomy for those whom we have lost but facing the fact that “death is inevitable”. 

Though the loved ones may pass, people cherish their happy memories believing that their spirits are content in another world.  Día de Muertos is a holiday marked for this special purpose only! 

Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos; credits: Thrillist

Why did the ancient cultures keep the tradition close to their hearts? 

Ancient societies used to think that the dead would come back to see their relatives at least once a year. They viewed death as a transition of life, and the dead were viewed as being part of the living society. It was on this day that families would welcome the spirits to join the living. 

A central figure of the Day of Dead is Mictecacihuatl also known as ‘Lady of the Dead’. It was said that she oversaw the festivities, making it a happy occasion, not a sombre event. 

How the Spanish Influence Shaped the Day of the Dead? 

Upon entering Mexico in the 1500s, Spanish conquerors also brought with them their own set of death-related religious practices such as All Saints and All Souls Days (celebrated on November 1st and 2nd). 

Fusion of cultures: How Halloween and Día de Muertos blend yet differ.  

The Roman Catholic practices were blended into the indigenous traditions that the Mexicans already had, forming what we call the Day of the Dead today.  

While Halloween is a festival associated with scares and spookiness as negative aspects, Día de Muertos is a cheerful and colourful festivity.  

This is primarily aimed at mourning and remembering one’s dear ones who have passed away. It is akin to celebrating their existence and the very essence that death is an inherent occurrence in this world. 

Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos; credits: State Farm

Sharing the tradition of Día de Muertos 

Since there is a close connection between Mexican and Irish cultures through the catholic religion, Día de Muertos makes sense to both.  

Initially, the Day of the Dead was primarily celebrated in Mexico. However, during the 1980s, it began to be celebrated in other parts of the world. 

In 2008, UNESCO recognised Día de Muertos as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. According to a 2016 report of the US Census Bureau, more than 36 million people now celebrate it passionately across the U.S.A. 

Dia de Muertos is an import day for Mexicans to honour the dead 

Día de Muertos is considered one of the most important cultural and religious celebrations. It is a private and communal activity that is performed at home as well as in cemeteries, and public places. 

Importance of cultural celebrations in Mexico-Ireland Relations 

This event promotes the cultural exchanges between Mexico and Ireland by allowing the Irish people to enjoy a taste of the colourful Mexican traditions. 

Building Bridges 

Hosting fiestas like Día de Muertos at the Mexican Embassy helps to build a bridge between both nations. In addition, these events serve to engage the Mexican diaspora in Ireland and enable them to live their culture, while also sharing it with their Irish counterparts. 

Continuing the Tradition 

The Mexican Embassy in Ireland seeks to perpetuate this custom and brings the celebration of the ‘Day of the Dead’ to Ireland and enrich both cultures. 

Día de Muertos’ date and times  

Día de Muertos will be held at the Mexican Embassy in Ireland on Friday, November 1, and Saturday, November 2. 

Friday:18:00-20:00 ·        

Saturday: 10:00-16:00 ·        

Address: 19 Raglan Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin, D04 TX89

Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos; credits: Embajada de México en Irlanda
Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos; credits: Embajada de México en Irlanda

What to expect in Día de Muertos celebration at the Mexican Embassy in Dublin? 

Bringing the essence of this beautiful culture to Ireland is where the Mexican Embassy in Ireland stands out. Every year, the embassy puts up an altar to commemorate those who have made significant contributions to both countries. The brief reunion and its pertinent celebration are all about food, drink and festivities.

This includes:  

  • Dedication of the Altar 

This year, the altar will honour Irish poet and novelist Patrick Kavanagh, and Mexican poet and novelist José Emilio Pacheco. In addition to the Embassy’s altar, community organisations also take part in this activity by constructing their own altars, aiming for the honour of being selected as having built the most creative altar. 

  • Community Involvement 

It is not only the altar which will be the focus of the occasion, as vendors of typical Mexican street food and handicrafts will also take part in the event’s celebration. 

What you’ll notice in the upcoming Día de Muertos:

  • Music and folk dance 

Not to miss the vibrance of colours that will be part of the event, exhibiting a blend of cultures. 

  • Fun, food, and more food 

Tortillas, tamales, cakes and candies in Pinatas are all part of the upcoming event. Several renowned food brands will be offering their special delicacies.  

FAQs

1. What is Día de Muertos, and how is it celebrated?

Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican celebration that honors the lives of deceased loved ones with colorful altars, music, and joyful gatherings. Unlike Halloween, it’s a cheerful and vibrant occasion to remember those who have passed on.

2. When and where will the celebration be held in Dublin?

The Mexican Embassy in Dublin will host the celebration on Friday, November 1, from 6:00–8:00 pm, and Saturday, November 2, from 10:00 am–4:00 pm, at 19 Raglan Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin, D04 TX89.

3. What activities can attendees expect at the Día de Muertos event?

Visitors can enjoy live music, folk dancing, and an altar dedication, along with a variety of traditional Mexican foods, handicrafts, and vibrant decorations reflecting the blend of Mexican and Irish cultures.

4. Who will be honoured at this year’s Día de Muertos altar?

This year, the altar at the Embassy will honor Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh and Mexican poet José Emilio Pacheco, celebrating their cultural contributions.

5. How does Día de Muertos differ from Halloween?

Unlike Halloween’s spooky themes, it celebrates the lives of deceased loved ones. Rooted in ancient Mexican traditions, it’s a time to cherish memories and embrace the idea that death is a natural part of life.

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