Dia de Muertos celebrations come to Limerick on November 2

The Mexican tradition, Dia de Muertos, will be celebrated at Wickham Way on Saturday, November 2.

Dia de Muertos will be celebrated at Wickham Way on Saturday, November 2, bringing the historical Mexican tradition to the Treaty City

The Mexican Community established in Limerick is presenting the Dia de Muertos Celebration (Day of the Dead), a vibrant and colourful cultural event that transcends borders and celebrates the life, death, and remembrance.

The Mexican tradition, which honours loved ones who have passed away, will be celebrated in Limerick’s Wickham Way on Saturday, November 2 between 6pm and 10pm.

Organisers of the event said, “We are so excited to invite people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the beauty, creativity, and community spirit at the heart of this unique tradition.”

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Embark on a journey through the ages, tracing the roots of Day of the Dead back to the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica. In these vibrant cultures, death wasn’t feared but revered as a natural transition in the endless cycle of existence. Imagine a world where communities honoured their ancestors with colourful festivals and rituals, welcoming their spirits back to the land of the living.

Centuries later, when Spanish conquistadors arrived, a fascinating cultural exchange unfolded. The traditions of Catholicism and All Souls’ Day mingled with indigenous beliefs, like two rivers converging to form a new and powerful current. This fusion gave birth to the modern Day of the Dead celebration, a captivating blend of ancient rituals and modern influences, a testament to the enduring human connection to life, death, and the mysteries that lie beyond.

At its core, Dia de Muertos is a time to remember and honour our loved ones who have passed away. It’s a celebration of life, where families and communities come together to share stories, laughter, and cherished memories. The belief is that the spirits of the departed return to visit their loved ones, drawn back by the love and memories of those they left behind. Altars are created, offerings are made, and families gather in cemeteries to welcome the spirits back with music, food, and celebration. This creates a powerful and poignant bridge between the living and the dead, reinforcing the bonds of love and family that transcend even death.

This event offers a multitude of ways to engage with this rich tradition including an Altar Presentation known as Ofrenda. Immerse yourself in the tradition of creating beautiful and symbolic altars adorned with flowers, candles, food, and personal mementos. Learn about the significance of each element and contribute a personal item to honour your own loved ones, becoming part of this collective act of remembrance.

Unleash your creativity and decorate your own Catrina, the iconic female skeleton figure symbolizing Day of the Dead; delve into the playful tradition of Calaveras by writing one of these humorous poems that gently poke fun at the living and the dead.

Experience the magic of Disney Pixar’s Coco, a heartwarming film that beautifully captures the essence of Day of the Dead and celebrates the importance of family and remembrance; and savour traditional Mexican food by embarking on a culinary adventure and indulge in authentic Mexican dishes prepared with love and tradition. From savoury tamales to sweet Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead), each bite tells a story of heritage and cultural significance.

While Day of the Dead is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, it shares surprising similarities with Irish traditions. Both cultures place great importance on remembering and honouring ancestors. In Ireland, Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival marking the end of summer, also involved beliefs about the thinning of the veil between the worlds and the return of spirits.

The Mexican community in Limerick invites the public to come join them on the evening, saying, “Limerick, come and join us for the Dia de Muertos celebration, which honours and remembers our loved ones, and gain a deeper understanding of the beliefs about death and life in this unique tradition.”