Rediscovering Dia de los Muertos in Vienna, Austria
A Multicultural Journey into the Heart of Mexican Tradition in the Heart of Europe
Unveiling the Celebrations in the Heart of Europe
If someone mentions Dia de Muertos, your mind might wander to the bustling streets of Mexico adorned with marigold flowers and colourful ofrendas. But what if I told you that this vibrant celebration has also found its way to Vienna, Austria? I'm here to take you on a multicultural journey, exploring Dia de Muertos through the eyes of an Ex-Pat living in Vienna as we unravel the intriguing connections between Mexican and Austrian traditions.
Embracing the Ephemeral
Dia de Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is Mexico's ancient and beloved tradition. It's a celebration that goes beyond solemn remembrance and dives head-first into the vibrant tapestry of life, culture, and heritage. Families and communities come together to create ofrendas, laden with the departed's favourite foods, drinks, and souvenirs.
The great Mexican poet Octavio Paz described it beautifully when he said, “The Mexican frequents death, makes fun of it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it.” For Mexicans, death is not taboo but a cherished part of life, celebrated with joy and laughter.
From Guadalajara to Vienna
An Unexpected Reunion with Tradition
My mother is from Mexico, and although I was born in Guadalajara, my family didn't celebrate Dia de Muertos. The allure of Halloween often overshadowed the Mexican customs. My connection to this mystical celebration was limited to my mother's memories and stories. She would reminisce about the festivals that transformed late October into a magical time.
Marigold flowers, vibrant papel picado (decorative paper banners), ofrendas, candles, incense, and delicious food were the cornerstones of her tales. The sense of community and togetherness in those stories deeply moved me. It was a testament to Dia de Muertos' enduring connection to the ancestors, a ritual meant to keep their memory alive.
But it was when I stumbled upon an authentic Dia de Muertos altar in Vienna that I began to understand the significance of these rituals. In Austria, a place far removed from the Mexican heartland, I was provided the opportunity to immerse myself in this beautiful and meaningful celebration. It left an indelible mark and inspired me to incorporate this tradition into my life.
Mexican and Austrian Attitudes Toward Death
Vienna may not be the first place you'd associate with Dia de Muertos, but it's a testament to the global appeal of this Mexican tradition. Despite a small Mexican population in Vienna, the city's strong cultural ties to Mexico have fostered an environment of vibrant cultural exchange.
One intriguing parallel between Mexicans and Austrians is their unique attitude toward death. In both cultures, there is an open and accepting approach to the subject of death, which sets them apart from many societies where death is often a taboo topic.
Vienna's Unconventional Traditions
In Vienna, the unconventional relationship with death is woven into the city's cultural identity. Viennese traditions, such as elaborate funerals, showcase a playful and almost flirtatious interaction with death. Funerals were traditionally highly valued. The Viennese have a saying for this, “eine schöne Leich” which basically translates to a stylish, dignified funeral with many mourners (and subsequent funeral feast/drink). People in Vienna frequently visit cemeteries, and they have a connection with death that is neither hidden nor avoided.
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A Common Thread: Comfort in Addressing Death
In essence, both Mexicans and Austrians share an intrinsic comfort in addressing death directly, engaging with it as a natural part of life, and maintaining a deep connection with their departed loved ones. This shared attitude is a testament to the rich and diverse ways in which different cultures around the world approach the universal theme of mortality.
Preserving Ancient Beliefs
The roots of Dia de Muertos trace back to indigenous Mexican civilizations, particularly the Aztecs, who revered the ceaseless cycle of life and death. For the Aztecs, life, and death were not separate entities but interwoven threads in the grand tapestry of existence.
Yet, history took an unexpected turn with the arrival of Spanish colonialism in the 16th century. The convergence of indigenous and Catholic traditions led to the harmonious fusion that defines Dia de Muertos today. This melding of rituals and world views forms the foundation of the celebration, a joyful commemoration of the cycle of life and death.
Artistic Contributions and Symbolism
An essential aspect of Dia de Muertos is its rich symbolism. Marigold flowers guide the spirits of the departed to the world of the living. Ornate sugar skulls placed on ofrendas serve as sweet reminders of loved ones and invite contemplation on the impermanence of life.
The tradition goes beyond visual symbols and extends to traditional foods with unique meanings. “Pan de muerto,” or “bread of the dead,” is round bread adorned with bone-shaped decorations, symbolizing the circle of life and death. Mole, a rich sauce representing the bittersweet nature of life and death, is prepared with devotion. Ofrendas or offerings grace tables in an array of traditional beverages and foods, including tamales and atole (a hot corn-based beverage).
Dia de Muertos in Pop Culture
This Mexican tradition has transcended borders and found its place in pop culture in Mexico and worldwide. The 2017 animated film “Coco,” produced by Pixar, played a significant role in bringing Dia de Muertos to the world stage. The heartfelt story touched audiences worldwide, capturing the essence of Dia de Muertos and the importance of remembering one's ancestors.
Beyond “Coco,” Dia de Muertos has made its mark in fashion, music, and art. You can find its influence in clothing and accessories, with sugar skull designs adorning everything from t-shirts to jewellery. Musicians, too, draw inspiration from the festival's themes of life, death, and remembrance.
Exploring Mexican Traditions in Vienna
Vienna might not be Mexico, but Dia de Muertos has become a permanent part of the city's cultural landscape.
If you're in Vienna, Austria or planning to visit, you can also explore this captivating Mexican tradition right here in the heart of Europe.
A Tradition of Joy and Celebration
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Read about this topic more in-depth in the article “Dia de Muertos: Unraveling the Tapestry of Mexican Tradition” on Understanding Vienna.