In the Czech Republic we celebrate All Souls very simply, by just remembering our loved ones who are no longer with us, light a candle on the grave and bring flowers to honour their memory. Traditional Czech All Souls Day is not accompanied by any parades nor lively celebrations.
However, we got adapted to the originally Irish holiday of Halloween and many houses or windows in the Czech Republic display carved pumpkins with lighted candles. But then there is another view of the feast of All Souls, the Mexican one! And it is very interesting indeed. Do you want to get to know the Mexican culture and experience All Souls, the Mexican style? We have great tips for you!
El Día de los Muertos is the most important holiday in Mexico. On the Yucatan peninsula it is called Hanal Pixan (in translation Food for the Soul). It is celebrated during the entire week from 26. 10. to 1. 11. In the state of Campeche, in the city of Pomuch, people dig out their beloved ones out of the graves, clean the bones and place them onto an altar, demonstrating that they keep their dear loved ones still in mind.
In Prague, you can see a unique exhibition of luxury photos called Hanal Pixan at the Instituto Cervantes. This, for us quite strange holiday, accompanied by dancing and celebrations was captured by photographers Alejandro Cruz and Kristýna Králová.
Certainly, there is a lot of Mexican restaurants in Prague. But who has been to Yucatan knows, that abroad not all tacos are the real thing. But there is a place here, which serves the genuine fare, and that is the Mexican bistro and food market, Mexicali Mercado in Libeň near the O2 Arena!
Not only can you buy authentic Mexican delicacies, but mainly, here you can taste luxury tacos exactly as sold in Mexican Yucatan! And not just tacos, there are also enfrijoladas chilaquiles, and many others to choose from. Have them filled with pork puerco pibil, beef carne adobo, chicken pollo barbacoa or vegetarian grilled cactus.
On Friday 2. 11. you can wear a mask and in the style of the Mexican All Souls´ Day enjoy a luxury party in the Dance Hall in Žluté lázně. For the Saturday of 3.11., from 14.00, Alfréd ve dvoře theatre prepared workshops for children and a luxury theatre performance - from 16:30 there is a fairy tale Albert is Afraid.