My Daughter Died a Year Ago. Mexico's Day of the Dead Helped Soothe My Grief
Death remains a difficult topic for many Britons, though it is an essential part of life. My beautiful daughter passed away a year ago this week. It felt surreal to be in Mexico during the annual Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival, arriving just after what would have been her 32nd birthday. Everywhere, decorations were being set up to mark this famous celebration.
Vibrant Traditions of Día de Muertos
- Windows adorned with orange marigolds
- Doors decorated with colorful paper cut into intricate patterns
- Markets offering sugar skulls and skeletons in various forms
Despite my grief weighing heavily on my soul and sudden waves of sadness, I was initially anxious about returning to Mexico at this time for two concerts with Africa Express, the collaborative music group I co-founded. Performing the album we created last year together with remarkable local artists uplifted me over the summer.
A Valuable Lesson from Mexican Culture
I now appreciate being here during this festival, as it offers a profound lesson on accepting death, especially for reserved Brits. We often treat death as taboo in our fragmented society, even though it is inevitable. Unlike our Victorian ancestors who lived with higher death rates and morbid fascination, today most people pass away quietly in institutions like care homes and hospitals. Consequently, many can live long lives without ever encountering a corpse, unlike in other parts of the world.
My grief "sits heavy on my soul and erupts in waves of sadness at unexpected times."
Día de Muertos, with its roots in mystical Aztec traditions, invites openness and a celebration of life and death that contrasts sharply with British attitudes.
Author’s Summary
The Day of the Dead in Mexico provides a healing perspective on grief by embracing death openly, offering comfort and insight to those struggling with loss.