I was first introduced to Dias De Los Muertos when I moved to San Diego, CA about ten years ago. It was a pre-Haloween week, and my first November in California. My new coworker (now my dear amiga) Silvia who lived in Tijuana, but very commonly worked in San Diego asked me:
"Michaela, how do you celebrate Haloween in Slovakia or Europe? Do kids go trick-or-treat? Are there many Haloween parties in your city?"
"Nope, we celebrate a "Day Of The Death or Day of the Saints" and visit cemeteries and churches. We pray for the souls of our deceased family members, put flowers, and light up the candles near the headstone."
I explained to her briefly, without knowing she may be familiar. Silvia, who has never been to Europe, but had always dreamed of visiting, was stunned that people from such a distanced country, can be culturally so similar when celebrating this holiday. Silvia introduced me to the history of Dia De Los Muertos in Mexico. She explained why and how people in Mexico (+ other parts of Latin America) celebrate these days. She mentioned a few important symbols used during this celebration such as:
Ofrenda is an altar filled with mementos, photographs, and keepsakes that once belonged to the dead. The articles guide the spirits with finding the “right” altar so they can meet their family members. Ofrendas highlight the four elements of the earth: fire, water, earth, and air.
Pan de Muerto - a semi-sweet bread, the earth element is offered during this season
Calavera (also calavera de azúcar) is a skull (or a sugar skull)
Papel Picado is a perforated paper made by cutting ornate designs into sheets of tissue paper. It represents the air.
Pan de Muerto is a semi-sweet bread that is baked and dusted with sugar. It represents the soil that the bodies are buried in. Food is used to connect the dead to the living world and to help them to return back to the underworld.
Where can you buy Pan De Muerto in JAX?
Well, Pepe's Hacienda & Restaurant located at 3615 Dupont Ave #900, Jacksonville, FL 32217 is probably your best bet! They have an awesome fresh bakery selection located right next to the entry door. You can buy different fresh pan dulce daily. I just spoke to the Manager and you can buy a small Pan de Muerto during the month of November for only $1.00. I consider Pepe's Hacienda as one of the most authentic Hispanic markets & restaurants in JAX. Both the restaurant and market offer unique vibes and genuine Mexican flavors.
Where to spot some sugar skull decorations while enjoying authentic Mexican Food?
"Sugar Skull Heaven" is what I call Cantina Louie. We usually come here on Tuesday night for the best "Taco Tuesdays" and Margarita Special. Cantina Louie is a fun, affordable Mexican Cantina serving authentic Mexican street food such as tacos, sope, tostadas, or even tamales (Sunday only). You can get a feel of the Dia De Los Muertos any day of the year if you have visited one of the 7 locations. Check out their video if you have never visited.
Don Juan's Mexican Restaurant in the Mandarin area had announced the Dias De Los Muertos celebration starting Friday, October 30th thru November 1st.
Enjoy a delicious Mexican meal & Patron Margarita, and celebrate the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us with Top-Shelf Patron Margaritas
No Manches is a Mexican Restaurant located in Orange Park, FL you can enjoy a celebration with live music, face painting for kids, and even "the best costume competition".
The Sugar Skulls & Sangria class at Sweet Pete's in JAX.
The Sugar Skulls & Sangria class is back. Celebrate the Day of the Dead by making a sugar skull and imbibing on Sangria. Each participant will take home one Sugar Skull and enjoy two cocktails. Choose from Sangria, draft beer or Halloween/Fall sodas.
Recommended for customers over sixteen years old.
I think this is a great option for the celebration of the Day of the Dead in JAX. My kids are still very small for this type of event, but I am sure there are many JAXPATS that could can enjoy it. If you want to learn how to make and mold a traditional sugar skull or just experience a bit of Mexican culture by celebrating Dias De Los Muertos via art check out the information below.
Contact Phone: 904-376-7161
Contact Email: education@sweetpetescandy.com
Cost: $27.
Buy and reserve* a class here
(* Hurry I saw only 3 more dates available.)
When I lived in Europe, I used to visit the graveyards of my grandparents on November 1st. We would light up the candles, bring flowers, and quietly pray. We would then take a walk around the cemetery despite the cold air, just to experience the beauty of the thousands of candle lights. We would honor the "Memory Of All Saints" by sharing the stories and remembering how they impacted our lives. November 1st is All Saints' Day at my house. I will light up candles and sit them next to a few old pictures. Then I will pray, pray for the protection of my family, and for the peace of my departed loved ones.
"Do you have any special tradition during the Halloween at your home? Share it with the other JAXPATS in the comment below."
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