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Sugar skulls and marigolds: celebrating the Day of the Dead

Sugar skulls for The Day of the Dead.

Part of the joy of being a global music agency is the chance to enjoy the music of different cultures and festivals around the world.

So, while most of the UK and Northern America are celebrating Halloween, in Mexico it is the start of the holiday of Día de Muertos (sometimes called Día de los Muertos).

 

Remembering the departed

In this special festival, families come together to remember and to pray for their departed friends and family. They gather at private alters, graves and tombs to bring the departed their favourite food and drink, and to honour them with representations of human skulls (calaveras) made from sugar.

Graveyards are full of activity, as people picnic amongst their dead relatives, and drape their graves with marigolds, cardboard skeletons and tissue paper decorations. On November 1 people remember their lost children, and on November 2, their deceased adult relations.

The Day of the Dead may have its origins in an Aztec festival, but it’s no coincidence that it now is celebrated as part of the more familiar Roman Catholic festival honouring the departed, All Saints Day.

 

Authentic Mexican musicians from Matters Musical

Here at Matters Musical, we’ve got a wonderful selection of Mexican musicians ready to entertain at any Day of the Dead celebrations or themed event.

 

Mariachi Las Adelitas

Our glamorous all-female Mexican mariachi band boasts no less than three lead vocalists for tight harmonies in their six-piece format.

“I saw Las Adelitas mariachi band perform recently at The British Museum and thought they were a fantastic addition for the ‘Day of the Dead’ exhibition.”

Audience member Mick

 

Mariachi Los Charros

Two ladies, two gents and the authentic vibrant and energetic sound of Mexico. In traditional mariachi dress, this quartet entertain with traditional songs including the Mexican Hat Dance, La Bamba, and Desperado, plus fun mariachi versions of pop classics such as “Don’t You Want Me Baby”.

 

Los Charros

Choose Los Charros for authentic folk and popular music from the performer’s native Latin America. Perfect for a Mexican fiesta or romantic dinner event alike – check out their Profile page for their atmospheric demo tracks.