Thousands of "Catrinas" Descend on Mexico City During The Day of the Dead Celebrations
Mexico City festivities fuse history and contemporary culture during the annual holiday
MEXICO CITY, Oct. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of "Catrinas" will take over the streets of Mexico City for the "Catrina MX Fest" on Nov. 1, 2014. Residents and visitors alike will be dressed to resemble the iconic female skeleton, wearing plumed hats, elegant gowns and elaborate face paint in hopes to become a part of history by setting the Guinness World Record for the largest number of Catrinas. A creation by famed artists Jose Guadalupe Posada and Diego Rivera, Catrina's likeness is associated with the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) holiday that is celebrated annually from Oct. 24 through Nov. 2. The ten day celebration honors departed loved ones with festivities including candlelight rituals, time-honored ceremonies, street fairs, and lively performances through the various Mexico City neighborhoods.
Situated atop ancient and colonial ruins, the metropolis of Mexico City blends historic traditions and contemporary culture during the Day of the Dead festivities. In San Andres Mixquic in Tlahuac, the "City of the Dead," visitors can pay homage to "the lord and lady of the underworld," view the decoration of family burial plots, observe candlelight rituals, enjoy street festivals and attend concerts at the Theatre and Cultural House of Mixquic.
Bosque de Chapultpec, Latin America's largest public park, is a popular attraction during the Day of the Dead holiday, hosting the "Fesitval Dia de Muertos." Ongoing activities throughout the park include chocolate and pan de muerto (holiday bread) tastings, tours of the botanical gardens and outside films that are open to the public. For an active adventure from park to city streets, Mexico City Environment Office is sponsoring a night bike ride and costume contest on Nov. 1 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. More than 55,000 costumed participants will pedal through the city, weaving through Chapultepec Park, Paseo de la Reforma and the historic district.
A mirror to the past, Xochimilco, the "Venice of Mexico City," should not be missed. Enjoy the "Tianguis del Dia de Muertos," a large Day of the Dead market with expansive flower stalls and local handmade items, or hop on a gondola (trajinera) and explore Xochimilco's waterways while being serenaded by mariachi musicians. The Museo Dolores Olmedo Patino in Xochimilco is hosting the "Fiesta de los Muertos" on Nov. 1 and 2 that will include walking tours, concerts and ongoing festivities. Visitors are invited to attend performances that bring to life the legends of Mexico City and the Day of the Dead, like "La Llorona." With a nod to Halloween, the Day of the Dead activities in Xochimilco also include the "Forest of Fear," at Club Campestre Monte Sur. The interactive experience takes participants on a mile journey through a haunted forest where participants interact with spooky characters.
"Ofrendas," offerings to pay homage to the deceased, are an honored tradition during the holiday. The Mega Ofrenda Zocalo, displayed in Mexico City's center plaza, the Zocalo, is protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and available for the public to view from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2. The large offering displays oversized skulls and skeletons made out of cardboard, and the altar is adorned with cempasuchil flowers (Marigolds). Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) also erects an annual Mega Ofrenda. This year, UNAM's ofrenda is dedicated to artist Frida Kahlo whose life began and ended in Mexico City. Viewing is open from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.
Mexico City is the country's premier tourism destination, welcoming more than 12.5 million visitors a year. The ancient capital offers a vibrant, contemporary culture that combines pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern influences that span nearly seven centuries. With more than 160 museums, 30 distinct archaeological and historic sites, and 100 art galleries, the city is a mecca of fine art and treasures that speak to the city's vast history. The Mexico City Tourism Promotion Fund (Fondo Mixto de Promocion Turistica del Distrito Federal) supports and enhances city tourism. For more information and daily updates please visit/follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MexicoCityLive) and Twitter (@MexicoCityLive).
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SOURCE Fondo Mixto de Promocion Turistica del Distrito Federal
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