FESTIVALS THAT WE CELEBRATE
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS - Day of the Dead - 1st and 2nd of November
Dia de los Muertos represents a mixture of Christian devotion and Pre-Hispanic traditions and beliefs. As a result of this mixture, the celebration comes to life as an unique Mexican tradition and is one of the most joyful and important holidays on the Mexican calendar. It is still practiced widely and is not seen as macabre, for here death is not an end, but a stage in a constant cycle.
It takes place on two consecutive days: November 1st (All Saints Day) which honours the dead children of the family and November 2nd (All Souls Day) the Day of the Dead or also known as the Day of the Faithfully Departed.
An altar is set up with offerings dedicated to the deceased which includes the four main elements of nature - earth, wind, fire and water.
Earth is represented by crop: The Mexicans believe the souls are fed by the aroma of food.
Wind is represented by a moving object: Tissue paper is commonly used.
Fire is represented by a wax candle: Each lit candle represents a soul.
Water is placed for the soul to quench its thirst after the long journey to the altar.
We celebrate this event with our own altar and offerings,food specials and decorations to denote the occasion.
CINCO DE MAYO – 5TH MAY
Cinco de mayo celebrates the legendary Battle of Puebla on the 5th May 1862. The Mexican forces of 4500 faced 6000 well trained men from Napoleon III's French army, the battle was short; lasting only four hours and was a physical and moral victory for the Mexican army who were under the command of 33 year old General Ignacio Zaragoza. It is celebrated with food, drink, music and dancing.
MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE
Mexican Independence Day dates from 1810 (on the 16th of September) when Father Miguel Hidalgo rang the bells in his church in Dolores, Mexico to rally the people to rise up against Spanish rule. He gave a speech that is now called Grito de Dolores. He said "Viva Mexico" and "Viva la independencia!". These famous words have been remembered and are said each year at the Independence Day celebrations. "el Grito!" We celebrate this event with live music and fanfair.
