Mexicans celebrate Dia de los Muertos in honor of their deceased loves ones. It is a ritual of love, to remember and to be joyful. For expatriates and tourists who did not grow up in Mexico, these rituals and practices might seem strange. The dead are allowed to “live” again during these days of the dead. People believe that the deceased return to their earthly homes to visit and enjoy their favorite food and drinks with their relatives and friends, during this time of year. The celebration is a connection between the earthly experience and the invisible realm, a reminder of where we all will return some day.
As every year, there is an altar for Dia de Muertos displayed at El Arrayán restaurant. This year they were invited to participate in “Passport of the Festival of the Dead”. It is dedicated to a known cultural Mexican figure and they chose Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Mexican poet, writer, composer. Maybe you are familiar with her picture which is stamped on every $200 peso bill.
Juana Inés de Asbaje and Ramirez de Santillana, better known as Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz (1651 – 1695) was a religious and novohispana writer, exponent of the Golden Age of Spanish literature.
At a very early age she learned to read and write on her own. She was part of the court of the 25th Viceroy of New Spain. In 1667, for religious vocation and desire for knowledge, she entered monastic life as a “Jerónima” nun. Her most important patrons were Viceroys, Archbishops and Marquis. The first two volumes of her works where published then in peninsular Spain. Because of the importance of her work, she received the nickname “the American Phoenix,” “The Tenth Muse” or “Mexican Tenth Muse.” She died during an epidemic on April 17, 1695.
Juana Inés made a deep impact in the world, by being a female intellectual in a world where most women led a life of servitude and silence: Colonial Mexico. Juana broke this silence that was expected of her and her shout out rocked the Spanish Empire. When she was told to be quiet, she would not back down. Juana defended her right to knowledge and she made sure that her ideas were made known to everyone
Tourists and residents are invited to visit the colorful and creative altars found in the “Passport of the Festival of the Dead” on which at every altar they visit, the document will be stamped with the logos of exhibitors and will be entitled to participate in the raffle prizes awarded by participating hotels and companies. Here are some of the participating businesses:
Location: Hotel Villa Premiere
Dedicated to: Carlos Fuentes
Hours: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Location: Hotel Rosita
Dedicated to: Salvador González Gutiérrez
Hours: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Location: Gallery Colectika
Dedicated to: José Guadalupe Posada
Hours: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Location: El Arrayán Restaurant
Dedicatedto: Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
Time: 5.30pm to 11:00 pm
Location: Hotel Catedral
Dedicated to: María Félix
Hours: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Location: Belmar Hotel Gallery
Dedicated to: Carlos Munguia
Hours: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Location: Petit Hotel Villa Mercedes
Dedicated to: Agustín Flores
Hours: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Opposite the market at the Rio Cuale during the celebration of Day of the Dead a Village Fiesta will be celebrated with Mexican snacks and a “ranchero” singer. Also The Association Charros, and the spectacular Ballet Xiutla numbers alluding to Day of the Dead will be presenting their art. The contest awarding and handmade Catrinas, and Raffle for the participants of “Passport of the Festival of the Dead” will take place. These events will end with a spectacular fireworks display.
Location: Calle Agustin Rodriguez in front of Cuale Market
Event: Village Fiesta | Handmade Catrinas | Ballet Xiutla Presentation
Hours: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
El Arrayán restaurant is serving a special menu for Dia de Muertos in honor of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. Come and admire the altar in her honor. This original menu has different traditional dishes and ingredients such as pumpkin seed, corn, Mole Negro, Tamales and Pan de Muerto. These delicious Mexican options will be available from Thurs Oct 30th to Sun Nov 2nd at $210 pesos per person. (no tips or drinks are included)
Reserve at 222 71 95 or [email protected], space is limited.
