These are strange days leading up to our departed coming to call while we are living in the time of Covid-19. With public activities canceled, thus no nightly calendas (parades) filling the streets and our ears, and fewer tourists, Oaxaca is experiencing more peace and tranquility this Day of the Dead season — albeit laced with a touch of melancholy and anxiety.
Masked and shielded, I braved the mostly local crowds south of the zócalo, to shop for cempasuchil (marigolds), cresta de gallo (cockscomb), apples, mandarin oranges, peanuts and pecans, chocolate, and pan de muertos (Day of the Dead bread) — but it wasn’t nearly as much fun as years past.
However, the joy returned when I unwrapped photographs of my parents, grandparents, and other loved ones; selected some of their favorite things to put on my ofrenda; placed the fruit, nuts, bread, and chocolate among the photos; positioned candles, flowers, and incense; and poured my departed a copita (little cup) of water and another of mezcal — all to beckon, entertain, and sustain them during their brief stay.
I’m looking forward to a more personal and reflective Día de Muertos this year.
Mexican Peso Converter
Thank you for sharing. Have been hoping that those who are in Oaxaca have been purchasing an over abundance of cempasúchitl y cresto de gallo to help the growers who never could have anticipated this quiet Muertos.
Wishing that I could have been there for a relatively quiet time of remembrance. So love the scent of the marigolds massed about the ofrendas and all over town.
To those who have gone before us — descansa en paz y abrazos cariñosas cuándo nos encontramos la próxima vez.
Yes, especially with the cemeteries closed, the growers are hurting. San Antonino Castillo Velasco is holding a virtual tomb decorating contest this year.
shannon -what a beautiful offend. i miss oaxaca so much.
Thank you, Ellen! It’s a labor of love.
ofrenda
I’ll bet spellcheck was the culprit. 😉
Gracias, Shannon for sharing your ofrenda of your family! This was supposed to be our second Muertos, after spending 17 winters and 2 summer visits in our beloved Oaxaca. Saludos y abrazos, Eshkie y Jerry
6 of us were to be there this year. We will try again next year. We’ve been to Oaxaca de Juarez for Day of the Dead three times and fell in love with the people.