Polaroid of the week: Calacas, happy Mexican skeletons

Posted on 20. Sep, 2012 by Dany in Mexico, Polaroid of the Week

One thing we love about Mexico is how death is celebrated in such a joyful manner. Instead of mournful goodbyes we are used to, in Mexico the dead are celebrated and honored with music, dancing and a fun gathering of family and friends. These colorful skeletons, called are shown in colorful clothes, dancing and often accompanied by a musical instrument. The Calacas represent the Mexican belief that no dead soul should be thought of in a sad way, but rather in a joyous celebration.

Calacas are also used in the Day of the Dead celebrations on November 2nd, a holiday dedicated to the departed, where families gather to honor their dead family members by decorating their graves and building an altar with ornate calacas and gifts such as the person’s favorite foods and drinks. These calacas can be found year round in Mexico, though, on earrings, dolls, on T-Shirts and in paintings.

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Tags: Mexico, Polaroid