Pour some out for the homies

I’m a little late in writing this, but in November, Panama and many other countries celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. It’s most famous in Mexico where the colorful holiday is more of a celebration of the loved one’s legacy. Its roots hail from prehistoric practices that were meant to greet the deceased during their yearly return to earth to visit their loved ones. They’d decorate and put out a great spread of food to make their “stay” more comfortable. Strangely enough, this seemingly Pagan holiday is a huge part of the Mexican Catholic calendar. It points to the Catholic church’s interesting acceptance of the indigenous traditions in Latin America. Who says religion can’t evolve?

Panama’s celebrations are more reverent and somber than Mexico’s. Mostly, it’s a day off to visit loved ones’ grave sites and adorn them with copious amounts of floral arrangements. Whereas American culture seems to ignore death as if it were a myth, Latinos exhibit more reverent respect for it and embrace it as the natural cycle of life. The holiday became personal when my roommates and I accompanied a girlfriend to a Panamanian cemetery, where she paid her respects at her mother’s grave.

Anybody who’s familiar with my story won’t be surprised to know that I like this holiday. It makes us take a second out of our hectic lives to reflect on those who paved the way for us. I know what you’re thinking – life isn’t hectic at all down here in Panama! But the holiday helps us put things into complete perspective. It’s a nice yearly reminder.

I do think that a one day celebration is long enough, and maybe even too long – the holiday turns Panama into a dry country for 24 hours. Not a drop of booze is sold anywhere. By 10 pm, you could see long lines in front of the bars and liquor stores – I think we were all done reflecting. It was time to really celebrate.