Studying Spanish in Peru during Day of the Dead
Studying Spanish in Peru during Day of the Dead
The “Day of the Dead” is a Latin American holiday, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, though the official holiday is November 2nd. It originated in Mexico, but is celebrated throughout Latin America and the United States.
Studying Spanish in Peru during this time of year is a special experience. Students will experience and live the rich Peruvian culture directly. There is typical Peruvian food, music and many cultural traditions! Most of the cemeteries throughout the country fill with color, vendors, street musicians, flowers, food and fun in lively celebrations.
Some people think that Halloween and the Day of the Dead (or Día de los Muertos, as it’s called in Spanish) are the same holiday, but the Day of the Dead is quite different.
The Day of the Dead is a very important day in Peru. It is dedicated to honoring loved ones who have passed away. This might seem like a sad holiday, but it is actually an uplifting day filled with celebrations and remembrance. It is a celebration of life!
Some believe that the souls of their loved ones return to earth during these two days. Because of this, families and friends decorate the resting places of their loved ones with a variety of things, such as candles, photos, flowers, and other decorations.
Cusco has a great bread bakery tradition and you should certainly visit the San Pedro market to watch the breads. You will see the famous “Pan Wawa” (or “bread babies”) and bread horses, decorated with little faces.
Studying Spanish in Peru during Day of the Dead
Our Spanish students in Cusco that have chosen to live with a Peruvian host family, will have the opportunity to get an up close and personal look into the Day of the Dead traditions. The host mums will serve traditional Peruvian food such as “Lechon” (roasted suckling pig). Many local Peruvian people will head to the Almudena Cemetry on November 2nd, which is located at approximately half an hour walk from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. Here they will spend time with their departed relatives. Although eating and drinking is not allowed here, as it is on many other cementeries in Peru, people decorate the niches and there are bands and dancers.
The Day of the Dead in Peru is a wonderful time of celebration that is a novel opportunity for students to learn about the Peruvian culture while learning Spanish in Cusco, and experience this holiday in this wonderful place destination: the city of Cusco.