Everyone comes on Halloween to visit Salem, but Nov. 1st it is really a ghost town. To take advantage of our fall foliage and all of the great things about Salem when the energy is high, spend the Dia de Los Muertos with us. Same great attraction, sights, and shopping; just there is no crowd. You will have the town almost to yourselves. That is right bring your family and friends to enjoy this magical day.
Prior to Spanish colonization in the 16th century, the celebration
took place at the beginning of summer. Gradually, it was associated with
October 31, November 1 and November 2 to coincide with the Western Christian triduum of Allhallowtide: All Saints' Eve, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day.[4][5] Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars called ofrendas, honoring the deceased using calaveras, aztec marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.[6] Visitors also leave possessions of the deceased at the graves.
Greatly popular are the calaveras men and women. Skeletons people who go about normal life if they were still alive. Many tattoo shops find this a popular theme and also many women dress up with skull face and floral designs in gorgeous gowns. Why don't you paint up your face and don your favorite dress and join us walking through Salem from Nov 1st to Nov 2nd. In Peabody next door they will be having a Nightmare on Main Street party where they close down the main road and ask you to get dressed up one more time.
Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl.
The holiday has spread throughout the world, being absorbed within
other deep traditions for honoring the dead. It has become a national
symbol and as such is taught (for educational purposes) in the nation's
schools. Many families celebrate a traditional "All Saints' Day" associated with the Catholic Church.
So this time of year is not a one off, it is a festival that lasts from Oct 31st to Nov. 2nd. So come to Salem this festival season and do not go home till it is over!
