I made it! And wow!

After a long day of travel (and what seemed to be like the longest way to get to Oaxaca), I made it! And as soon as I landed in Mexico City, Day of the Dead was alive and active. Here are just some of the pictures from the airport (so just imagine what the city looked like):

I also learned that Day of the Dead actually starts on October 27 and extends to November 2 (originally started Oct 31 through Nov 2). Each day encourages different souls to return. For example, on Oct 27 they focus on the animals and pets that have passed on. This can be represented by placing dog food and water on the ofrendas. On October 28, they welcome Los Accidentados, or those that were lost abruptly (think accidents, heart attack, those that were not expecting to die). Additionally, November 1, they welcome Los Angelitos, or the children that have passed on (these are those lost in utero, by abortion, at birth up to age five or so). These are welcomed by toys, candy and possibly juice at the altar. I was able to get a very good description of these days by a native of Oaxaca. She even discussed how her abuelo got drunk, forgot to build the altar and was approached by the soul of his father, scolding him and hit him with his belt, for not building an altar. Not having an altar is viewed very badly as it causes souls to become lost and not know where to go (as altars guide the souls to their homes and families here in the living). It was amazing! Here is a video I made of the altar learned about at our residence in Oaxaca!

Check out the video of our altar!

Altar description