“The Day of the Dead is much more Spanish than Halloween**,” says Susana Priego, Cultural Director of Casa de Mexico, explaining the importance of this tradition that is gaining a growing number of followers in Spain. In contrast to Halloween, a more sombre holiday where candy and goods are sold at night, Day of the Dead brings together pre-Hispanic Mexican and Spanish traditions to celebrate life and what lies beyond death.
To showcase Mexican customs, Madrid’s Casa de México has been home to the Altar of the Dead for the eighth year in a row, specially designed by architect and photographer Guillermo González.
‘Cabaret of memories‘Europe’s largest Altar of the Dead is inspired by and heavily influenced by the Mexican cabarets of the first decades of the 20th century. French And a German cabaret. Guillermo González wanted to base the altar on a festival of music and dance that evokes the presence of happy souls who continue to shine in the afterlife.
The impressive and colorful altar displays some spectacular pieces, including 12 life-sized “star performers,” 62 glass globes, skeleton and bone candlesticks, and small cardboard devils,** as well as more than 60 skull racks (Mesoamerican ceremonial structures where the skulls of people sacrificed in honor of the gods were displayed).
The tours proposed by this establishment take us back to the most vibrant Mexico of the 30s and 40s. There is a traditional altar on the top floor, a homely place where visitors can leave messages in memory of their loved ones. It is said that it is ceremonially burned after the Day of the Dead.
What began as a tradition among the facility’s staff to eat a piece of Mexican folklore across the ocean became an important day on the cultural agenda of the year in Spain. Altars are becoming increasingly popular as people seek to learn more about Mexican culture and death worship as another phase of our existence. In 2003, the festival was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage of humanity.
Mexican marigold and seven-tiered altar
The seven levels of the Day of the Dead Altar represent the path that the soul of the deceased must take to reach eternal rest, symbolizing cleansing and protection during the journey.
The composition varies, but as a rule, the dedicated saint, souls in purgatory, salt for purification, traditional pan de muerto, the deceased’s favorite food, a photo of the deceased, and finally a cross made of seeds or limes are placed on the level.
Another must-have is marigold flowers. Its strong orange color and distinctive aroma guide the journey of the dead.
The Altar of Casa de México can be visited throughout Madrid until November 9th, and you can book a 25-minute guided tour through its website.
video editor • David Artiles Garcia
Additional sources of information • Juan Isidro Montero Garcia