Belize's Colorful Los Finados Traditions

Los Finados, also called Dia de Los Muertos or Hanal Pixan, is a celebration of the life and death of lost loved ones in Belize. The tradition dates back to the ancient Maya, an indigenous culture of Belize and Mexico. It is believed that the gates of the afterlife open during the first two days of November, allowing the souls of the departed to return to Earth. To commemorate this occasion, families gather to decorate altars or tables with their deceased relatives' favourite foods, treats, drinks, and mementos.

Los Finados is celebrated in the village of Benque Veijo Del Carmen

Los Finados, also known as Dia de Los Muertos or Hanal Pixan, is a religious celebration commemorating the visit of the souls of the departed to their homes. This festival is particularly popular in the village of Benque Veijo Del Carmen, where Belizeans from across the country make an annual pilgrimage.

The day begins with a Catholic Mass, where candles are lit to guide the departed on their journey back to the living. This marks the start of the month of October, when the dead are believed to walk among the living. At the end of the month, a grand 'Los Finados' going-away party is thrown to bid farewell to the departed souls.

In the homes of Benque Veijo Del Carmen, altars or tables are adorned with candles, photos of the deceased, and their favourite foods, treats, and beverages. The rising steam from the food is believed to invoke the spirits of the dead. A traditional corn porridge called Ixpasa or Ixpas, made specifically for this occasion, is often included, along with tamales. If the deceased enjoyed alcohol or cigarettes in their lifetime, these may also be offered, with the belief that the dead can smell the smoke and steam.

A procession then takes place from the church or home to the cemetery, where wreaths and candles are laid, and the food from the altars is presented. This marks the end of the traditional Los Finados celebration, although younger generations often continue the festivities with trick-or-treating.

The Los Finados celebration in Benque Veijo Del Carmen is a unique and colourful event, honouring the memory of departed loved ones and providing comfort to their roaming spirits.

The day starts with a Catholic Mass

Los Finados, also called Dia de los Muertos or Hanal Pixan, is a religious celebration in Belize that combines Mayan and Catholic traditions. The day starts with a Catholic Mass, where candles are lit to guide the departed back to the living. This is because, in Mayan belief, October is the month when the dead are allowed to visit and walk among the living.

The Mass is followed by a procession to the cemetery, where people lay wreaths, candles, and food on the graves of their loved ones. People also visit altars or tables arranged with the deceased's favourite foods, treats, and beverages, as the rising steam from the food is believed to invoke their spirits.

In the small village of Benque Veijo Del Carmen, Belizeans from across the country make an annual pilgrimage to celebrate Los Finados. The altars in homes are decorated with candles, photos of the deceased, and their favourite foods and drinks. A traditional corn porridge called Ixpasa or Ixpas is made specifically for this occasion. It is believed that the dead cannot eat but can smell the smoke and steam from the food and drinks.

On All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2), people pray for their loved ones who have passed away. These days are dedicated to honouring infants, young children, and adults who have died. The celebrations conclude with a special Mass and procession to the cemetery, followed by nine days of prayers.

Altars are decorated with candles, photos, food and drinks

On this day, altars are adorned with candles to light the way back to the underworld for the deceased. These altars are usually set up in homes, churches, or cemeteries. Alongside candles, photos of the departed are placed on the altars, honouring their memory.

The altars are also laden with food and drinks, including traditional dishes like Ixpas (a corn porridge or corn dish), tamales, Bollos, Caldo de Gallina local, Chirmole, and Ishpasha Atole. These dishes are prepared hot or burned as it is believed that while the dead cannot eat, they can smell the smoke and steam. Drinks like rum, tequila, and "Xpasha" (a Maya drink made from corn, milk, and spices) are also offered, especially if the deceased enjoyed these in their lifetime.

The presentation of food and drinks on the altar is symbolic, representing all the earthly pleasures the deceased enjoyed in life, providing comfort to their roaming spirits. The lighting of candles and offering of favourite foods and drinks is a way to guide the departed souls back to their living loved ones, creating a loving encounter between the living and the dead.

A procession is made from the church or home to the cemetery

Los Finados, also known as Dia de Los Muertos or Hanal Pixan, is a celebration of the dead in Belize. The festival combines Mayan and Catholic traditions and is observed in Maya and Mestizo communities across the country.

On Los Finados, a procession is made from the church or home to the cemetery. This marks the end of the traditional celebration. The procession is a sombre affair, with individuals carrying wreaths, candles, and food to lay on the graves of their loved ones. The food is typically placed on altars or tables and includes the deceased's favourite dishes and treats, as the rising steam from the food is believed to invoke their spirits. The candles are lit to guide the departed back to the living world, as it is believed that during this time, the dead are allowed to walk among the living.

The procession is led by a priest who offers prayers and blessings for the dead. The atmosphere is one of remembrance and gratitude, with family members sharing stories and memories of their deceased relatives. The graves are adorned with flowers, wreaths, and other decorations, and prayers are said to honour the dead and wish them well in the afterlife. The Maya believed that death was the final experience of life and, therefore, should be celebrated. This belief is reflected in the vibrant and colourful nature of the Los Finados procession, with music and entertainment also being a part of the festivities.

While the older generation in Belize typically concludes the celebration with the procession and rituals at the cemetery, the younger generation has incorporated trick-or-treating as a follow-up activity. This reflects the influence of Halloween, which falls around the same time as Los Finados and is also celebrated in Belize.

The celebration is a merge of religion, culture and traditional cuisine

Los Finados, also called Dia de los Muertos or Hanal Pixan, is a celebration honouring the dead. The festival merges religion, culture and traditional cuisine. It is a commemoration of the visit of the souls of the faithful departed to their homes. The celebration is rooted in the Mayan belief that there is life after death, and it has been adopted by the Maya and Catholic tradition.

The festival is celebrated on 1 and 2 November, with the first day honouring infants and young children (Dia de los Angelitos or All Saints Day) and the second day honouring adults (Dia de los Muertos or All Souls Day). The days are meant to bring families together and remember their loved ones who have died.

Families decorate altars or tables with the deceased's favourite foods, treats, beverages, candles, photos, flowers, fruits, incense, and portraits of saints. The rising steam from the foods is believed to invoke the spirits of the dead. Families also visit the graves of their deceased ones to say prayers and place flowers, wreaths, food and drinks.

Traditional Belizean foods such as tamales, bollos, caldo de gallina local, chirmole, and ishpasha atole are served during the festival. Alcoholic drinks such as rum and tequila are also commonly consumed.

On All Souls Day, the Catholic Church holds a mass, followed by a street procession to the local cemetery. Individuals carry wreaths, candles, and food, which are later placed on the graves. Families pray and thank their dead relatives for being a part of their lives and wish them well in the afterlife. They also share good memories and fun stories.

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