What do people drink during Day of the Dead?

Answered by Christopher Steppe

During the Day of the Dead festivities in Oaxaca, Mexico, it is customary for people to offer various beverages to the of their deceased loved ones. These drinks serve as a way to entice the spirits back to the earthly realm and to honor their memory. Among the wide array of beverages consumed during this time, some of the most common choices include , , , and .

Beer is a popular choice during the Day of the Dead celebrations. It is often seen as a refreshing and light option that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Many families will place bottles of beer on the altars and gravesites of their departed loved ones as a way to honor them. The beer serves as a symbol of celebration and is believed to help quench the thirst of the spirits as they make their journey back to the world of the living.

Soda is another that is commonly consumed during the Day of the Dead. It is often seen as a sweet and fizzy treat that is enjoyed by both children and adults. Families will often place bottles of soda alongside other offerings on the altars and gravesites. The vibrant colors and sugary taste of soda are believed to attract the spirits and make their return to the earthly realm more enjoyable.

Juice is also a popular choice during the Day of the Dead festivities. It is often made from fresh fruits and is seen as a nourishing and wholesome option. Families may prepare and offer homemade fruit juices, such as orange or pineapple, to the spirits of their loved ones. These juices are believed to provide sustenance and vitality to the spirits as they join in the celebrations.

One beverage that holds a significant role in Oaxacan culture and is often consumed during the Day of the Dead is mezcal. Mezcal is a traditional Mexican spirit made from the agave plant and is deeply intertwined with Oaxacan traditions, rituals, and holidays. It is often seen as a symbol of the ancestral spirits and is believed to have a spiritual connection. Many families will place bottles of mezcal on their altars and offer it to their deceased loved ones as a way to remember and honor them.

Mezcal holds a special place in my heart as well, as I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand its importance during the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca. I remember the vibrant colors and aromas of the mezcal bottles placed on the altars, alongside the marigold flowers and traditional food offerings. The smoky and complex flavors of mezcal added a certain depth to the festivities, creating a sense of connection between the living and the dead.

The beverages consumed during the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca are varied and hold significant cultural and symbolic meaning. Beer, soda, juice, and mezcal are among the most common choices, with each beverage playing a unique role in honoring and enticing the spirits of the deceased back to the earthly realm. These drinks not only serve as offerings but also serve as a way for families to connect with their loved ones and celebrate their memory.