History of the Day of the Dead
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The celebration of The Day of the Dead in
Mesoamerica can be traced back to the indigenous people of coast of Veracruz
and other areas more than 3,000 years ago. The Day of the Dead, contrary to common perceptions, is not
homogeneous. On the contrary, since its origin it has constantly changed due
to the influence of various groups such as the Olmecas, Mayas, Zapotecas, Mixtecas,
Toltecas, Chichimecas and Mexicas among many others. Culture is not static, and the Day
of the Dead is a wonderful example of dynamic syncretism since its beginning. During the 15th century Spain violently conquered the indigenous groups in Mesoamerica, and they imposed the Catholic religion. Although the Spaniards were appalled at the tradition of celebrating the Dead, this tradition was so strongly embedded in the Pre Colombian cultures that the conquerors could not eradicate it. Therefore the Church had no other choice than to allow this tradition to continue. However, the celebrations that used to last for long periods of time, only survived for two days: the 1st and 2nd of November. Today the Day of the Dead continues to change and evolve, and new influences shape this ancestral celebration. In the United States, for example, syncretism continues and every year a wonderful variety of Ofrendas are built all over the country not only by Americans from Mexican descent but also from other ethnic groups and cultures.
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