Creating an Authentic ‘Ofrenda’ & Your Luxury Suite in Puebla
People from all over the world recognize Mexico as a warm, energetic, and vibrant country that awakens the desire to pay a visit. Every season in Mexico comes alive with one celebration or another. Next on the list is the famous Día de Muertos, where people come together to celebrate and honor their departed loved ones. And as an essential part of this celebration come the ‘ofrendas,’ decorated altars that symbolize the feelings and moments they once shared together. Today we’ll explore the profound meaning of ofrendas, their features, the places where you can find some of them, and suites in Puebla City for a complete trip.
Learning More About Mexican Ofrendas
Mexicans definitely don’t fear the Grim Reaper, just the sad feelings! Día de Muertos is an important date when spirits return to earth for a short period of time. For this reason, people place offerings on an altar with a variety of items, food, pictures, flowers, and anything that represents the essence of those who have passed on.
This tradition dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when ancient civilizations—such as the Aztecs or Mayans—paid homage to their deceased through various rituals. Here are some highlights of the importance of ofrendas:
- Cultural Continuity
Ofrendas are the embodiment of cultural continuity. They represent the blending of indigenous traditions with the Catholicism brought by the Spanish conquerors, which resulted in a unique cultural expression.
- Connection with Ancestors
Día de Muertos is believed to be a time when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. Ofrendas serve as a means of connecting with the ancestors and inviting their spirits back to the world of the living for a while.
- Celebration of Life
Far from being a somber occasion, Día de Muertos is a celebration of the natural cycle of life and death. Ofrendas are a way to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones and the cherished memories they left behind.
What is an Ofrenda Made Up Of?
Thanks to Mexican ofrendas, skeletons can have a ‘grave’ time, too! These altars are composed of several levels that represent different things. Each element on an ofrenda has a specific significance and aims to welcome the deceased.
While the exact items can vary from region to region and family to family, the following are some common pieces:
- Candles: Candles are used to light the way for the spirits. They also symbolize hope and faith.
- Marigolds: Known as ‘cempasúchil’ in Mexico, marigold flowers are believed to guide the spirits with their vibrant colors and fragrant scent. The Aztecs saw flowers as a representation of life and death.
- Papel Picado: Intricately cut paper banners represent the wind and the fragility of life. These decorations are truly colorful, and each one usually has its own meaning. But since Mexican culture is vast, delving into the details would make this post infinite!
- Calaveras: Sugar skulls, both edible and decorative, represent the sweetness of life and the acceptance of death.
- Food and Drink: Favorite foods and beverages of the deceased are placed on the altar to nourish their souls during their visit.
- Photos and Personal Items: Pictures of the departed and personal belongings help to evoke memories and create a spiritual connection.
- Incense: It is often used to purify the space and provide a pleasant aroma.
- Pan de Muerto: Almost everyone is a fan of this delicious bread! Because of its importance during this season, ofrendas tend to have a pan de muerto on display.
Book a Suite in Puebla to See Beautiful Ofrendas!
Every state in Mexico celebrates Día de Muertos in its own way, and Puebla is a good example. To get a privileged view, you can visit the Historic Center, where the government and other entities usually install the ‘Corredor de Ofrendas’ or Corridor of Offerings, inviting locals and tourists to tour the beautiful scenery.
By the same token, Puebla has other places and establishments you can visit during the season:
- Local Markets: Stroll through the city’s markets, such as Mercado Jose Ma. Morelos ‘El Alto’ and Mercado de Sabores Poblanos, to find items for the ofrendas and take some home! The most popular markets are located near the Historic Center.
- Chignahuapan: In early November, you can participate in the Festival de la Luz y la Vida, a celebration with food, music, contests, traditional dances, and more!
There is a large number of things to do this season, but you need a hotel and suite in Puebla if you want to see and experience it as much as possible.
Día de Muertos is not only a vibrant festivity, but it can also be an excuse to have a lively vacation. Therefore, a comfortable suite in Puebla is very much needed!
Presidente InterContinental Puebla, a 5 star hotel, invites you to participate in this great celebration without missing any details. Since we know that every guest has different needs, our suites are diverse enough to suit them—Standard Rooms, Presidential Suite, or even Accessible Rooms, all are luxuries suites in Puebla.
Now, it’s time to honor the Mexican dead-ication to life and death.
