Posted: Thursday, October 31, 2024. 9:47 am CST.
By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: The Day of the Dead, or Dia de Los Finados, is a cherished cultural practice among the Maya-Mestizo population of Belize, blending Indigenous and Catholic traditions.
The festivities begin on November 1st, known as Dia de Los Angelitos, or All Saints’ Day, which honors deceased children.
Families prepare altars adorned with candy, sweet breads, biscuits, and other treats to commemorate young souls.
On November 2, the celebration shifts to Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, focusing on adults who have passed.
Altars are filled with the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased, including the traditional ix’pasha, as families believe the spirits nourish themselves with the rising steam from these offerings.
The prayers for the departed extend over nine days.
On November 9th, candles are placed along roadsides to guide souls to the cemetery.
In many communities, the observance culminates with a special Mass and procession led by the Catholic Church, where families visit graves to offer prayers and decorate tombs with flowers, wreaths, and food.
While the core traditions remain consistent, variations exist throughout Belize and the broader region, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the celebrations.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2024, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post Day of the Dead celebrations to honor the dearly departed appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, October 31, 2024. 9:47 am CST. By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: The Day of the Dead, or Dia de Los Finados, is a cherished cultural
The post Day of the Dead celebrations to honor the dearly departed appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
