The meanings of a popular ritual : examining the ritual of the Day of the Dead in Las Cruces, New Mexico

Abstract

As a research topic for my B.A.(Hons) Dissertation, I chose to observe the feast of "el Dia de los Muertos", the Day of the Dead in Las Cruces, New Mexico, fall of 2000 (See Figure 1.1). Prior to my departure I was asked put together a hypothetical thesis proposal, which I would arrange once I arrived in New Mexico. There was really no shortage of research choice. Las Cruces, being a bordering town with Northern Mexico, has an enormous Hispanic community. Around 50% of' the 120, 000 people in this town are Hispanic. The other interesting thing about Las Cruces is that it also has a small percentage of Native Americans, New Mexico and the Southwest being one of largest strongholds for Native Americans in North America. The Southwest is rich in history, Native American archaeological sites, and in Native American pueblos, which are still amongst the most prolific and intact in North America (Plog 1988: Chl). The Day of the Dead, as it's name suggests is a day when Mexicans pay homage to their departed. The Celebration owes its roots to pre-Columbian civilizations, where elaborate death ceremonies were commonplace.