The Diplomat
The Mexican Ambassador to Spain, Quirino Ordaz, yesterday attended the opening of the “Reencuentros” installation, organised in collaboration with the diplomatic representation at the Fernán Gómez Theatre, in the Centro Cultural de la Villa, to commemorate the Day of the Dead, a popular Mexican tradition.
The installation, which is sponsored by BBVA, Abertis, Icon and Tequila 1800, will run until 6 November, and consists of a traditional offering that brings together different elements of the festivity. It also commemorates 45 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Spain.
The aim of the proposal is for the public to get to know the richness of Mexico’s cultural traditions. It consists of a route that begins in an arch of cempasúchil flowers, followed by an interactive mural of reunion with the absent loved ones.
The main component is a circular altar composed of different typical offerings in the style of those from the state of Michoacán. The concept of the installation brings together cultural symbols referring to this celebration, such as monarch butterflies, rivers of flowers, trajineras and catrinas.
The Day of the Dead is an ancestral tradition that symbolises the encounter between the living and the deceased. During this celebration, sadness and nostalgia turn “into celebration, joy and joyfulness, honouring the dead who for a few hours return to the world of the living to join our families,” the Embassy indicated.
In addition, on 29 and 30 October and 2, 5 and 6 November, there will be workshops on ‘Creation of mobile skulls’ and ‘Catrina make-up’ for children and families, given by Antiquísima C.B., where the importance of the Day of the Dead and what it represents for Mexican culture will be explained. Admission is free with prior registration.
