Day of the Dead
With October coming to a close, people of Mexican heritage are decorating their elaborate altars, packing a picnic and heading to their deceased loved one’s cemetery. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a uniquely Mexican holiday rooted in Aztec and Catholic traditions that celebrates those who died before us.
Photo from San Antonio Express-News
At midnight on November 1, those who celebrate believe the gates to heaven open up and spirits come back to the mortal world. To celebrate, ofrendas, or offerings, are brought to the graveyards to welcome them back. Typically, these include favorite foods and drinks, which can range from fruits like mango, wine and even a traditional sweet bread called pan de muerto.
This beautiful holiday treats death as a natural part of life and as something to be celebrated. It’s never a sad day, and happy calacas, or skeletons, depicted enjoying life are a traditional symbol of Día de los Muertos.
As a fruit with a rich history in Mexico, mangos are perfect for Día de los Muertos celebrations. This mango marigold margarita from Sweet Life Bake will be a delicious addition to your festivities. The cempasuchil, or marigold flower, is sprinkled in paths from graves to altars to guide spirits on their journeys. The delicate, floral combo of mango, marigold and tequila will certainly be a lively addition to the party.
For more ideas on how to include mangos in your Día de los Muertos menu, check out all our mango recipes.
