Day of the Dead celebrations and the Cross at the top of the hill.

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Off to see the Day of the Dead decorations

As it was the end of November and the Day of the Dead celebrations were starting to happen, we went into Puerto Vallarta to enjoy the sights and to learn about the Day of the Dead.

We really had no idea to the extent that these offering went, or the various traditions and fashions that they were created from.

1st stop was once again the Isla Crule market. It is a colorful interesting market to wander through. I was also happy to pick up another lovely cotton, colourful, casual, dress.

The Mexican markets have so many wonderful, colourful crafts….I’d love to buy so many, but just don’t have the space.

Once one leaves the market area you cross a bridge and then are on the Malecom.

This is a pedestrian-only, promenade along the seafront, which features sculptures, shops, restaurants, and street performers. Plus at this time of year there are the Day of the Dead “celebrations”.

Just by the end of the bridge we first saw a colourful model of a whale. It was beautifully decorated. Later we saw many other “models”

I found out that these large models are: Alebrijes

Which are Mexico’s crazy, exotic, fanciful, spirit animals — wild, colorful, and born from dreams. They were created in the 1930s by artist Pedro Linares. The story goes that he had a vivid fever dream, in which these surreal mixes of animals first appeared. They were first created in papier-mâché, then evolved in the Oaxaca region as hand-carved copal wood sculptures. They are amazing!

These Alebrijes were featured all the way along the Malcom and all were wonderful!

Ofrendas……

Further along the Malecom we came to the majority of the ofrendas, set out around the main front of the Malcom and square plus surrounding area. Each was very unique. All very colourful and interesting, mostly honoring a personality. Quite a few were based around skeletons.

Ofrendas are build by families. They are altars adorned with photos of the departed, their favorite foods and drinks, marigold flowers, the Cempasuchil, the Mexican marigold, and candles. The offerings are believed to welcome the spirits of the deceased back to the world of the living.

How, why, what is “The Day of the Dead?”

The beginnings of Day of the Dead celebrations originated in a month-long Aztec celebration which honored the gods of the underworld, Mictlantecuhtli and Mictlancíhuatl. These ancient celebrations originally took place in August.

In the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadores attempted to introduce Catholicism to the native people and essentially eradicate the religions of the indigenous people. They were semi-successful.

The locals moved the Day of the Dead celebrations to the beginning of November to coincide with the Catholic All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

The Day of the Dead celebrations nowadays have similarities, particularly in the giving of offerings or ofrendas to the deceased. In some parts of Mexico, the Dia de Muertos celebrations have evolved to start October 26th, involve October 31st, (Halloween) and November 1 (Dia de los Angelitos).

The main days of this multi day celebration are November 1st and 2nd. However, celebrations begin as early as October 26th with the placing of a bowl of water to welcome the Pet’s Souls on the 27th October.

October 28th is to remember those who died tragically, October 29th for those who drowned, October 30th for the Lost Souls, October 31st is to remember the children, (“angelitos”), who died, November 1st is typically dedicated to All Souls Day and November 2 for All Souls to arrive and visit.

The church and fore court off of the main square was wonderfully decorated I could clearly see the orange marigolds that are so symbolic at this time of the year. Plus there were dozens of strings of flags looped around the carousel.

I found out that these strings of brightly cut-out flags dancing in the breeze are called papel picado — literally “perforated paper.”

Papel picado — literally “perforated paper.”

Apparently this tradition goes back centuries. it’s a symbol of the fragility of life and the joy of celebration. Like life, the paper is thin and fleeting, yet full of color and meaning while it lasts. They were originally made with delicate tissue paper, artisans used chisels and small hammers to punch out intricate designs — flowers, birds, suns, skulls, saints. Each color carries meaning:

💛 Yellow for the sun

💙 Blue for the sky or water

❤️ Red for blood or love

💚 Green for harvest and hope

🖤 Black for death, especially during Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead celebrations.

The shops too had their ofrendas, these were in the front windows and entrances, all very unique.

The main attraction was the famous Catrina at the end of the main square. This one is the largest in the world!

Las Catrinas

Where did the Catrina originate?:

Created by cartoonist, Jose Guadalupe Posada at around 1910. The figure was originally called “La Calavera Garbancera”, the Garbancera Skull. It was a satirical image intended to mock the social climbing of the indigenous Mexicans who were trying to imitate European aristocratic styles.

Today, La Catrina symbolizes that death is a natural part of life, and that everyone, regardless of wealth or social status, is equal in death.

During Day of the Dead, you can see Catrina figures used as decorations, also people paint their faces to look like her, and elaborate costumes are created that emulate her elegant style.

The tallest Catrina in the world was still being finished off, we watched the process which involved cranes, several men and lots of skill.

After spending quite a length of time checking out all the decorations, Catrinas and symbolic alters we headed for lunch. From where we sat we could see the building of the massive Catrina continuing in the square below.

Did you know that the Day of the Dead has been recognized by UNESCO in its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Plus, Day of the Dead can be traced to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. …

We were both very impressed with the meaningful, colourful, very creative, Day of the Dead decor in Puerto Vallarta.

Back at Paradise Marina and Resort

Life continued as usual for the next week. Walks on the beach, visiting the iguanas, boat chores and getting stocked up to leave.

My birthday came which we usually celebrate by doing something special. This year with medical appointments not quite finished and still being in the same marina, I chose to do something I could never have done the previous year. We went to:

The Cross on Top of the Hill.

The “cross on the hill” in Puerto Vallarta refers to the Mirador de la Cruz or the Hill of the Cross Lookout. This was said to be a popular viewpoint on a hill overlooking the city.

It offers panoramic views of the Bay of Banderas, features a large cross, and is reached by hiking up a steep series of steps through a residential neighborhood.

Off we went in our little blue car, towards Puerto Vallarta in our rented car. We drove through the city and up a few steep slopes. Parking just below where the steps began I found the hill already incredibly steep, but off we went.

The steps went up and up, there were several others attacking the climb, we would periodically stop for a brief rest then set off again. My knees soon tired, I could feel my left leg was still quite a bit weaker than my right. However I was at the finally at the top and the around 300 to 350 steps, were behind me.

The views were wonderful, looking out across the whole city, plus the shoreline for miles and the mountains behind. We enjoyed the views and the breeze, making sure to spend a good bit of time on the top after the climb.

We could even see the giant Catrina below us on the Malecom.

And of course we walked around all the platforms making sure to see everything from every angle.

There was even a lovely mural to be seen.

Next came the downward challenge….with my new knee going down is harder than going up.

I took longer going down after which I still had the hill to desend to get back to our little blue car.

Our next stop was in Puerto Vallarta, near the Centro.

We parked and did a short walk to the Malecom where we found a very nice beachside restaurant for lunch. Lunch was delicious.

Plus there was a talented musician performing.

Plus in the distance we could see Voladores De Papantia performing.

These are indigenous men who perform the ritual ceremony of swinging from a tall pole they are also known as the Flyers of Papantla.

After lunch we had a short walk-about looking at the sights along part of the Malecom. The artwork for sale and statues, are always a treat to behold.