More Decorations

 Besides the "ofrenda" which I have set up in the living room, I have acquired a number of other decorations for the Day of the Dead Season.

Last week when I was at a nearby market in Colonia del Valle, I bought this decoration to put on the door to the apartment.  It is in the style of "papel picado" (cut paper) but is made of plastic.  It portrays a skeleton guitarist.

Also in Colonia del Valle, I saw a number of "catrinas" dressed in the regional costumes of different states of Mexico.  I could not resist, and I bought this one in the traditional dress of the state of Chiapas.  The eerie thing about her is that her eyes seem to follow you as you move from one side to another.

Monday I went to a shop near Alejandro's family's house that sells decorations molded from resin and then hand-painted.  This large skull caught my eye.  I should have bought more.  They look really cool, and they only cost 100 pesos... an incredible 5 US dollars!

Alejandro's sister gave me this little potted cactus that is dressed up as a vampire.  Hopefully, after Day of the Dead is over, I can remove the decorations without harming the plant.  I had been thinking about buying a cactus as a houseplant.

 Finally, when I was at the Jamaica Market last week, I bought these two felt decorations of a "catrina" and a "catrín".  I taped them to the windows of the apartment.

From the Desk of LInus

 Here's hoping that November 5th does not end up being scarier than Halloween!

A Trip to the Underworld

 At one of the nearby malls we had seen advertisements for an "immersive experience" called "Un Viaje al Mictlán" (A Journey to Mictlán).  Mictlán was the abode of the dead in Aztec mythology.  Reaching the underworld was a difficult journey with many challenges.  The dead were guided on this journey by a xolo... the dog that we call a Mexican hairless.

We went there last Saturday.  The "experience" is in one of the basement levels of the mall.  Visitors are led through a series of rooms which depict the arduous trek the dead had to make to reach their repose in Mictlán.  Some parts were rather lame, but overall we felt that it was worth the price of admission.  The light and sound displays were quite impressive.  It was an interesting look at the Aztec concept of death which has influenced the modern celebration of Day of the Dead. 

The journey comes to an end in Mictlán.

At the Market

I have written many times about my favorite market in Mexico City... the Jamaica Market.  Whether I need to buy something there or not, a visit is almost obligatory during the Day of the Dead season.

If you are a regular reader, you already know that the Jamaica Market, in addition to selling all the things you find in any public market, is the largest place to buy flowers of all kinds.

Since Day of the Dead is less than a week away, you will see loads and loads of marigolds... potted plants and bundles of cut flowers.

More marigolds arrive by the truckload.

I suspect that almost every household in Mexico City will buy at least one potted marigold during this time of year.  Some people buy the flowers by the cartload, perhaps to take to the cemetery.

You can also buy bags of marigold petals.  Many people strew a path of petals from the sidewalk into their homes to guide the souls of the departed to the "ofrenda".

For a large, elaborate "ofrenda", you can also buy an archway of flowers.

Another flower which is popular for Day of the Dead "ofrendas" is a variety of cockscomb which in Mexico is called "terciopelo" (velvet).  Its deep red color symbolizes the blood of Jesus.

In addition to flowers, during this season you will also find all sorts of Day of the Dead decorations and items for your "ofrenda".

Sugar skulls and ceramic skulls

Incense burners

Banners of "papel picado" (cut paper)

"Catrina" figures, some of them quite large

I was really tempted by this skeletal vendor on his bicycle cart selling tamales.  But it was rather large, and it would have been difficult to carry it on the subway back to the apartment!

A Special Breakfast

Our favorite place for breakfast is El Cardenal, a chain of restaurants that specialize in traditional Mexican cuisine.  One of the branches is just a four minute walk from the apartment.  The problem is that on weekends there is usually a very long line waiting for a table.  We generally end up going to another chain restaurant, Toks, which is a ten minute walk away.  Although it can't compare to El Cardenal, the food is dependable and the service very good.

Last Saturday, we got an early start and were on our way to breakfast by nine o'clock.  As we passed El Cardenal, we saw that there were only a few people waiting.  "Let's go," I said.  We were seated in just a couple of minutes, but in that short time the line was already starting to form behind us.

I especially wanted to go to El Cardenal because during the Day of the Dead season they have some special items on the menu.  Tamales are traditional for this time of year.  The restaurant serves delicious Oaxacan style tamales for just a few weeks prior to Day of the Dead.  So there was no question as to what we were going to order.

Alejandro had two tamales, but I was a little piggie and ordered all three varieties... chicken with green sauce, poblano peppers with cheese, and pork with mole.  The chicken was good, the peppers and cheese even better, and best of all was the mole.

We also ordered "atole" (in the clay mugs).  "Atole" is a beverage of pre-Hispanic origin that is made from corn with different flavors such as vanilla or chocolate.  I have tried "atole" a number of times and have never cared much for it.  However, at this time of year, El Cardenal serves guava "atole" which I really like.

A scrumptious breakfast for the Day of the Dead season!

Still More "Alebrijes"

One more post featuring the "alebrijes" on display along Paseo de la Reforma following the 2024 parade...

 

Every year I look forward to seeing these colorful creatures which reflect the creativity and skill of Mexican artisans.