(VIDEO) Day of the Dead In San Miguel De Allende [] Rotary Club Program

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YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/x2Rp2kwboww

By: Elizabeth Adlung

On Tuesday, October 26, 2021 the Midday Rotary Club welcomed Arturo Morales Tirado, director of Turismo Tierra Adentro.

We’ve all heard about the Day of the Dead and seen its symbols– sugar skulls, marigolds, skeletons, makeup, altars and colorful costumes. It also includes living expressions of culture—traditions—passed down from generation to generation. In 2008, UNESCO recognized the importance of Día de los Muertos by adding the holiday to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. But what does this celebration really represent? Day of the Dead, on November 1 and 2, is one of the most important festivals of the syncretic ritual   commemorated by most of Mexico.

Note: Cultural syncretism is the blending of different beliefs and thoughts that result in a new system. Syncretism in Mexico involves merging of beliefs and rituals from indigenous Mesoamerica and from the Spanish Conquest.

In this meeting Arturo reviewed some important concepts of this popular Mexican festival to help us understand the rich and diverse culture of this country. The more you understand about this spectacular holiday, the more you will appreciate it. We will review:

♦ Cultural syncretism in Mexico from indigenous Mesoamerica and the European invasions of the 16th century.

♦ The exceptional character of San Miguel geographically and culturally.

♦ The cross-cultural mixture of Judeo-Christian spirituality and the indigenous people of Mesoamerica.

♦ The differences between the commemoration, celebration and festivity in contemporary San Miguel.

Arturo discussed characterization and experience of the authentic and unique aspects of the ancestral tradition compared with the imported, copied, and predictable consumer trends in this tourist destination so that each of us can decide how to celebrate these special and significant days in Mexico.

Are you interested in joining the Rotary Club?  For membership information, contact President Skip Essick at skipessickmedia@gmail.com