How the Mouse Branded Day of the Dead
October might be close to an end, but we won't stop seeing skulls just yet.
As November approaches, we'll bring back those loved ones who now live in our hearts through our memories. And I'm talking about Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead.
Unless you lived under a rock in 2017 or if you're not very familiar with Mexican culture, you've probably heard (and perhaps even celebrated) this Holiday. A Holiday that became a worldwide phenomenon, and even almost turned into a trademark, a few years ago thanks to our biggest Business Mouse.
Day of the Dead goes back to ancient Aztec traditions that merged with the Spanish holiday All Souls' Day, brought to Mexico in the early 1500s. Now, the Day of the Dead is a special day in Mexico celebrated between Nov 1 and 2, where families remember with joy rather than tears, those who passed away.
But what is this celebration? Is it guitar songs at the “pueblo” singing “Remember Me”, or is it just an intimate family tradition? While Coco might’ve been a huge big-screen success loved by many, I particularly didn’t feel as honored for my culture…as I should?
Don’t get me wrong, the movie was beautiful, it definitely portrayed all the colors and flavors that only Mexico can deliver, however, it almost seemed as if Disney wanted to educate people on Mexican culture, yes even Mexicans.
Stereotypes are not anything new in Hollywood, in between the yellow ambiance filter, the “zarapes” and maracas, and the expensive Xolo breed dogs...it seems like Hollywood limits their culture research to the Sonoran Dessert. And once again we are represented with the “pueblo” concept. But the mouse did hit some clever choices, the “abuela’s” personality or the “Cempasuchil” yellow flowers were pretty accurate, but there were some things that seemed to be made up for Hollywood success purposes. For example, your loved ones disappearing if their photo wasn’t placed on the altar, or how preparing this altar was a huge deal where every family member needed to participate or else.
Whatever the research and decision were, the result was evident, the movie was indeed a success. So much so that Disney even considered and tried trademarking the phrase “Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead”, to be able to put their rat ears on a wide range of products and merchandise. Of course, this resulted in major backlash from the Latino community, and in the end, they dropped the bid for this trademark.
Whether I agree or disagree, the fact is, that Day of the Dead did grow in popularity across borders thanks to the Mouse, and while it is great to see your culture acclaimed and adopted by others, I just wish the interest and love grew further than a movie, as Mexico is so much more than Frida Kahlo and tamales.
So this November, if you see the Catrinas, and colorful altars, do join the tradition and learn about it, because it is a very meaningful one. You do not need a mariachi guitar, or the biggest altar, in fact, you only need to cover the essential elements.
Remembering and honoring your loved ones is definitely something that shouldn’t be gatekept, just know that there is always more to cultures than what Hollywood tells us.
Stay ConnecTED!
Fatima Salazar