It might be close to Halloween on the calendar but the Day of the Dead Melbourne festivities have nothing to do with pumpkins and cobwebs.
A true celebration of life and death, this is the one day of the year departed loved ones return to spend time with their families in celebration and feasting – make sure you don’t miss the Day of Dead Melbourne with food and liquor from Aztec Mexican.
In the 16th Century the Spaniards arrived in Mexico bringing with them the Christian traditions of All Souls and All Saints Day. These customs merged with existing Mexican practices surrounding burial and remembrance, and the Day of Dead became what it is today. The evolution of this holiday can also be seen in some of the traditional food and drinks served as part of the festivities.
A sweet, round bread called Pan de Muertos, or Day of the Dead bread, is perhaps the most essential inclusion. Said to represent the dead, the bread is spiced with Anise and decorated with shapes similar to bones. Either eaten or presented as offerings with sugar skulls, on home alters erected and decorated to entice spirits back to the house.
Although most Mexican foods can be included in the feast, Tamales are one dish that is always on the menu. These are corn meal wraps, filled with stuffings of your choice and then encased in a banana leaf to be steamed. Filling and delicious, it’s also one of the most versatile of plates.
This Mexican tradition brings a refreshingly positive perspective to death. It’s a wonderful, colourful way to celebrate the lost and the living coming together again. Plan your celebration by taking a look through Aztec Mexican Products and Liquor’s online store to create an authentic Day of the Dead Melbourne Mexican feast for your loved ones.
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