The Day Of The Dead 2024 - A Guitar Player's Tribute To Honoring The Departed!

byFrankB-1

6.5K followers

3 weeks ago

(Title image by DALL-E 3)

Hi WA Friends!

The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos in Spanish, is one of the most heartfelt and meaningful celebrations you can find. It goes way beyond just culture and tradition - it's about remembering and honoring those who have passed away.

For a guitar player like me, it's also a chance to reflect on how music connects us with the people we love, even if they're no longer with us. Here's my take on this special day in a simple and respectful way, with a touch of a music lover's view.

What Is The Day Of The Dead Anyway?

Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico.

The Day of the Dead is a two-day Mexican celebration that runs from October 31st to November 2nd. But it's not like Halloween - it's not about scares or spooky stuff. Instead, it's a time for families to come together to remember and honor their loved ones who have passed away.

Think of it as a way to connect with the spirits of those who came before you and the wonderful memories they left behind. Mexican families make ofrendas, or altars, to honor their loved ones. These altars are decorated with marigold flowers, candles, photos, and the favorite foods of the people who have passed. It’s a way to invite the spirits back for a while, creating a connection between the living and those we’ve lost.

Music And Marigolds: The Soundtrack Of The Afterlife

Music is a big part of Day of the Dead festivities. When the spirits of loved ones visit, you want them to feel welcome, and what better way to do that than with music? Imagine being greeted by beautiful songs that bring back happy memories. Traditional mariachi bands, folk music, and even modern music fill the streets of Mexico, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

For me, this is where the magic really happens. Celebrating through music feels like playing a song that means a lot to you after practicing it for a long time. It’s about honoring those who helped shape who you are today and celebrating their memory with every note. If you’re going to play a song for someone you love, it should be one that really captures their spirit and makes their memory feel alive!

Catrinas And Calaveras: Symbols Of Life And Death

Now, let's talk about Catrinas - the famous, fancy-dressed skeletons. The Catrina is a reminder that death is a natural part of life, and no matter who you are, we all end up in the same place. It’s a reminder to live with joy and appreciate every moment. The Catrina’s beautiful clothes and decorations remind us that death doesn’t have to be scary - it’s a part of life that we should accept.

Then there are calaveras, or skulls, which are often brightly decorated and sometimes made of sugar. These skulls aren’t meant to make fun of death but to show that we can remember those we’ve lost with joy. They remind us to celebrate the lives of those we love rather than fear their passing. For guitar players like me, these colorful skulls are a symbol of creativity, the same way my music is. We can celebrate life by creating something beautiful and meaningful.

Honoring The Departed With Music

If you want to take part in the Day of the Dead with a musical touch, why not dedicate a song to someone you miss? You can create your own small ofrenda with a photo of a loved one and surround it with some of their favorite things. If your grandfather loved blues, you can play some soulful blues music in his honor. It’s a special way of saying, “I remember you, and this is for you.”

Another idea is to learn some traditional Mexican folk songs on your guitar or whatever instrument you play, perfect for expressing feelings of love and remembrance for those who have passed away.

How We're Celebrating the Day of the Dead

I was brought up in a large loving and very ethnic Italian family! There were 7 children on my father's side of the family and nine on my mother's side. At 70 years old, I've lost my grandparents, mother, father, and most of my aunts and uncles on both sides.

Tonight, the remaining part of my family, which is still pretty big, will get together to remember our dearly departed in the most respectful but fun way.

We have tons of Italian and Mexican food with lots of wine and Margaritas, including all their favorite dishes! My cousin's house has a room with dozens of photos of our departed ones on the walls, and it's a great place to celebrate the occasion because it brings back such wonderful memories!

We tell funny family stories about them and play all their favorite Italian songs by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, etc. I might even pick up my cousin's acoustic guitar and play a few tunes if others want to sing along! Last time, it had a string missing. Lol 😆

It is a true celebration of how each of them has enriched our lives during their time here on earth and how grateful we all are to have known them!

Tell Me What You Think!

Do you celebrate the Day of the Dead, and what plans do you have to make it memorable?

Let me know in the comments, AND ...

Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘

(Pin by DALL-E 3)

Frank 🎸

~70 Human written content.