The festivities which mark the Day of the Dead in Mexico have been cancelled in Mexico City (and I suppose the rest of the country). There will be no parades, nor will there be an enormous "ofrenda" (altar in memory of the dead) on the main plaza. For the last several years the "Mexicráneos"... large skull sculptures, each one decorated by different artists... have graced the main boulevard, el Paseo de la Reforma, at this time of year. The city put them out on display but after a short time they were removed because they were attracting such large crowds.
Another new tradition which began five years ago was a children's play called "Los Cuentos de la Catrina" (The Stories of the Catrina) which has been presented on stage in a Mexico City theater. (If you have read my posts on the Day of the Dead from past years you know that La Catrina is an elegantly dressed female skeleton that has become an icon for this time of year.) Alas, the stage theaters in Mexico City are closed, but "Los Cuentos de la Catrina" is being presented online. Alejandro's sister sent me an email with a "virtual ticket" to watch last night´s performance.
The story reminded me a little bit of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol". The stressed-out parents of a modern Mexican family are too busy to bother with observing the Day of the Dead. That night La Catrina and her supernatural companions arrive and teach them the importance of family, traditions, childhood dreams and remembering departed loved ones.
It was a cute production, and I am glad that they were able to continue on with that tradition.
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