San Miguel FAQ

Update: Video embedded in comments below.
Date: Tuesday 26 October 2021
Time: 9:30 AM SMA Time
Where: Hotel Real de Minas or on Zoom.
Where to register for Zoom: https://www.rotarysmamidday.org/next-speaker.html

We've all heard about the Day of the Dead and seen its symbols-- sugar skulls, marigolds, skeletons, makeup, altars, and colorful costumes. It also includes living expressions of culture—traditions—passed down from generation to generation. In 2008, UNESCO recognized the importance of Día de los Muertos by adding the holiday to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. But what does this celebration really represent? Day of the Dead, on November 1 and 2, is one of the most important festivals of the syncretic ritual commemorated by most of Mexico.

Note: Cultural syncretism is the blending of different beliefs and thoughts that result in a new system. Syncretism in Mexico involves the merging of beliefs and rituals from indigenous Mesoamerica and from the Spanish Conquest.

In this meeting, Arturo will review some important concepts of this popular Mexican festival to help us understand the rich and diverse culture of this country. The more you understand about this spectacular holiday, the more you will appreciate it. We will review:

· Cultural syncretism in Mexico from indigenous Mesoamerica and the European invasions of the 16th century.
· The exceptional character of San Miguel geographically and culturally.
· The cross-cultural mixture of Judeo-Christian spirituality and the indigenous people of Mesoamerica.
· The differences between the commemoration, celebration, and festivity in contemporary San Miguel.

Arturo will discuss We've all heard about the Day of the Dead and seen its symbols-- sugar skulls, marigolds, skeletons, makeup, altars, and colorful costumes. It also includes living expressions of culture—traditions—passed down from generation to generation. In 2008, UNESCO recognized the importance of Día de los Muertos by adding the holiday to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. But what does this celebration really represent? Day of the Dead, on November 1 and 2, is one of the most important festivals of the syncretic ritual commemorated by most of Mexico.

Note: Cultural syncretism is the blending of different beliefs and thoughts that result in a new system. Syncretism in Mexico involves the merging of beliefs and rituals from indigenous Mesoamerica and from the Spanish Conquest.

In this meeting, Arturo will review some important concepts of this popular Mexican festival to help us understand the rich and diverse culture of this country. The more you understand about this spectacular holiday, the more you will appreciate it. We will review:

· Cultural syncretism in Mexico from indigenous Mesoamerica and the European invasions of the 16th century.
· The exceptional character of San Miguel geographically and culturally.
· The cross-cultural mixture of Judeo-Christian spirituality and the indigenous people of Mesoamerica.
· The differences between the commemoration, celebration, and festivity in contemporary San Miguel.

Arturo will discuss the characterization and experience of the authentic and unique aspects of the ancestral tradition compared with the imported, copied, and predictable consumer trends in this tourist destination so that each of us can decide how to celebrate these special and significant days in Mexico.

Join us this Tuesday, October 26 at 9:30 AM to welcome Arturo and to learn more about this very special holiday. characterization and experience of the authentic and unique aspects of the ancestral tradition compared with the imported, copied, and predictable consumer trends in this tourist destination so that each of us can decide how to celebrate these special and significant days in Mexico.

Join us this Tuesday, October 26 at 9:30 AM to welcome Arturo and to learn more about this very special holiday.

Ron Felton, Secretary
Midday Rotary of SMA