October 27, 2018, I am standing smack dab in a mass of spectators waiting for the Dia de los Muertos parade in Mexico City to begin. Being slightly claustrophobic, it was a little daunting for me. The parade was set to start at 4:00 (it was posted online that it would start at 11:00). Time in Mexico is an abstract term.
To even get to the corner of a street that still had spaces, we had to walk single file through masses of humanity. We claimed our spot off of Refoma on Cinco de Mayo Avenue right next to L’Opera Restaurant, famous for a bullet hole in the ceiling fired by Pancho Villa. We all rotated going into the L’Opera bar for cervesas and tequilas while our compadres staked out our corner. Around 3:30, we decided we would have to all stand our ground to prevent people poaching our spot. Packed in like the proverbial sardines, numbness and fatigue set in. 4:00 comes and goes and still we wait. It was the Day of the Waiting with the added bonus of rain.
A few minutes after 6:00, finally a relieved roar from the crowds signals the floats. By this time, the only reason I’m standing is the crowds are so tightly pinched in, I am incapable of falling. To be honest, I’m not a parade fanatic, but when the other worldly Day of the Dead’s first float popped into view, my heart skipped a beat, and I was hooked. Gigantic puppetry, floating floats, all the skulls, Catrinas and alebrijes (imaginary beings) are all mixed up in this color overload of a procession.
Mexico City is new to the Day of the Dead parade–it’s only their third one. Wisely, their final event of the parade are the city sweepers with their colorful outfits and pink straw mops.
I can honestly say I loved this parade. Although, this was a once in a lifetime experience in that this was probably the only time in my life that I will attend this parade. I do have a brilliant idea. I had ogled the many balconies above the parade with envy and a resentful longing. Relaxed spectators sipping on beers peered down at the dazzling sights from the best seats in the house. I hereby propose a new type of Airbnb (Balconies and Beer) wherein balconies can be rented out for a bird’s eye view of the parade–sure to be a hit.
Wow! The photo of the butterfly girls is spectacular!
The Monarch butterfly is an important symbol in Mexico.
Great pictures! It was such a wonderful experience to share with you and Rafael!
What a wonderful place to run into a neighbor!
I love a parade🎶🎶
The giant marionettes are a big favorite & I will meet you in the balcony, Pen!
It’s a date!
I liked the black net dresses with the spooky skulls and the fancy hat on top. Thank you for taking us there— it is similar in waiting — like the Rose parade in Pasadena. I wondered— music? Strolling mariachis would be a convenient musical choice— trumpets blasting out! I felt the comfort af the crowd holding you up—and the claustrophobia too. All making it exciting and spooky and wonderful!! Graciasamiga!!
De nada, amiga!