Festival de las Almas Valle de Bravo
The Festival de las Almas Valle de Bravo is a traditional Mexican festival held in the town of Valle de Bravo, in the state of Mexico. The festival is celebrated on November 1 and 2, and it commemorates the dead.
The festival begins on November 1 with a procession of people carrying candles and flowers to the cemetery. The procession is led by a priest who prays for the souls of the dead. Once at the cemetery, people place the candles and flowers on the graves of their loved ones.
On November 2, the festival continues with a mass at the local church. After mass, people gather in the town square for a feast. The feast includes traditional Mexican food, such as tamales, pozole, and atole.
The Festival de las Almas Valle de Bravo is a beautiful and moving celebration of the dead. It is a time for families to come together and remember their loved ones who have passed away.
History of the Festival
The Festival de las Almas Valle de Bravo has its roots in the pre-Hispanic era. The Aztecs believed that the dead returned to earth on the ninth month of the year, which coincided with the beginning of November. The Aztecs celebrated the return of the dead with a festival called Mictecacihuatl, which was dedicated to the goddess of the dead.
After the Spanish conquest of Mexico, the Catholic Church incorporated the Festival de las Almas into its own religious calendar. The festival was renamed Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Dia de los Muertos is now celebrated throughout Mexico, and it has become one of the most important holidays in the Mexican calendar.
Traditions of the Festival
The Festival de las Almas Valle de Bravo has a number of unique traditions. One of the most popular traditions is the making of ofrendas. Ofrendas are altars that are decorated with food, flowers, candles, and other objects that the deceased loved. Ofrendas are placed in homes, businesses, and churches throughout the town.
Another popular tradition of the festival is the wearing of Catrinas. Catrinas are skeletons that are dressed in fine clothes. They are a symbol of death and the afterlife. Catrinas are often seen at the festival, and they add a touch of humor and whimsy to the celebration.
The Festival Today
The Festival de las Almas Valle de Bravo is still celebrated today, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the town. The festival attracts visitors from all over Mexico and the world.
The festival is a time for families to come together and remember their loved ones who have passed away. It is also a time for people to celebrate life and death. The Festival de las Almas Valle de Bravo is a beautiful and moving experience, and it is a must-see for anyone who is interested in Mexican culture.
