This is one of the many ancient traditions that has not been lost in time as we still find it in many homes, museums, government buildings and public places.

It was born from the belief that the souls of good people are allowed to return  one day every year, November 1st, the children, and November the 2nd, the adults, to visit their families.

So, for this reason, people make an altar inside their homes, decorated to attract and guide the souls of their dear departed.  It is covered with bright, colorful punched paper to give them a joyous welcome.  A photograph of the deceased head of the family is placed in the center surrounded by small pictures or just the names of the rest.  A cross is drawn with ashes and 4 votive candles around it: one for the children, one for the young, one for the adults and one for the souls who no one remembers.  Sugar skeletons, with the names of the living, are placed around the altar.  This is to make our crossover sweet and straight into the arms of our dear departed.

Also, on the altar, people place toys, candy, cigarettes, liquor and other items that they believe will make their loved ones happy.  On the 1st. of November, dishes with the favorite food, drinks and desserts are placed on the altar for the children, and on the next day, the same thing is repeated but for the adults, inviting them to feast with us.

In office buildings, museums and other public places, you can find altars dedicated to a special event.  These are to remember the victims of earthquakes, floodings, accidents and catastrophies.  For example:  for the 70 people who died in a subway accident 10 years ago, and to remember the victims of the massacre at Tlatelolco 40 years ago.

This is another example of how the ancient cultures mixed a part of their beliefs with the religion brought by the Spanish conquerors creating a ritual  that survives to this day.

Lets not forget that we have also learned  from the United States of America and our children practice  the Halloween  tradition  of ” treak or treat ” !!

We invite you to share with us any traditions you have in your country for these holidays !

Plácido Domingo, Hispanic tenor, who has a very special place in the hearts of his fans, and most of all, in the hearts of Mexicans, will  perform, on October 4, in the ancient Mayan city of Chichén-Itzá, one of the Wonders of the Modern World. 

 More than 10,000 people are expected to enjoy a Light and Sound show among the ancient pyramids uniting modern art with pre-colombine history and crowning this event with the presence and voice of our beloved Plácido Domingo.

This concert will be added to those already given by Mr. Domingo in other historic places like “The Forbidden City” in Beijing, China, Luxor in Egypt and the Eiffel Tower in France.