Dia de los Muertos
Join Claudio for this special occasion we will be celebrating one of the most important holidays in Mexico, the day of the dead or “Dia de los Muertos”.
The Day of the Dead is one of the traditions that has remained alive throughout the centuries; the main holidays are November 1 & 2, which UNESCO designated and cataloged as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003.
This special celebration dates back to prehispanic times before the arrival of Europeans to America, and has been alive and widely celebrated over the years.
About the Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead tradition dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when a tribute was paid to death; the tribute took place from the last week of October to the first days of November.
Prehispanic Mexicans conceived Death as the beginning of the journey to Mictlán (the Place of the Dead), during which the soul of the deceased had to overcome various obstacles before reaching Mictlantecuhtli (the Lord of the Dead) and Mictecacíhuatl (the Lady of the Dead). Upon reaching the gods of Mictlán, an offering had to be made to them in order to obtain eternal rest.
What to Expect
Claudio will explain why it is important to celebrate and take the time to honour and remember the members of your family, ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. He will also explain the mysticism and spirituality around the Day of the Dead celebration.
We’ll also learn how to set up your ofrenda, or altar, and which elements are important for it (as well their meaning).
It's very common for an ofrenda of the dead to be placed inside Mexican homes, decorated with papel picado, food, traditional sweets, and photos of loved ones. Candles and marigold flowers are also placed as a sign of welcome for our loved ones.
Feel free to bring photos of your beloved ones that have passed away, fruits and flowers for the altar and anything that your beloved ones valued / loved when they were here with us. We will place those on the altar.
The Evening’s Schedule
Cleansing copal and herbal welcoming.
An opening ceremony to acknowledge the Tlalmanalli (offering and altar) with the deep sound of the conch shell in the four directions and drums sounds.
History of the day of the dead celebration.
Explanation of the altar, and the main elements for an ofrenda.
Storytelling: learn of Mexican legends like Catrinas and Xoloitzcuintle (the Mexican dog that helps the dead to find their way to Mictlan, the Aztec underword).
Remembering and sharing histories about the loved ones that passed away (optional but encouraged)
Traditional Mexican chants for remembering the loved ones
Atole de Chocolate, a traditional prehispanic drink - amazing in flavour, consumed cold or hot
Music to invoke emotion and imagery of contemplative natural and mystical environments
Finish with a shamanic atmosphere of relaxation and traditional chants.
Details
When: Saturday 1 November, 7pm -9pm
Where: AWHI Yoga & Wellbeing - Level 2, 15 Johnston Street, Wellington CBD.
Investment: $55 (first 5 enrolments - $45!); Children under 16 years old - $35
Haere Mai!
Everyone is welcome including kids (see special pricing). No previous experience or knowledge is required. As this is an evening of learning and exploration, come wearing comfortable clothing! Bring an open heart and mind willing to learn and receive.
About the Facilitator
Claudio Escutia is a yoga teacher, active multi-instrumentalist and sound healer from a family of musicians from Mexico City.
Surrounded from childhood with instruments and music, he began his spiritual journey in Mexico with the practice of Tai Chi. After finishing his classical guitar studies at the School of Fine Arts he moved to Montreal Canada to study jazz music, where he experienced for the first time the power of the sacred Yogic practices. He expanded his knowledge there practicing Hatha and Kundalini Yoga, with great masters, learned to play Kirtan (sacred chants circles) with local musicians and started playing live music for yoga classes.
Claudio trained as a resident yoga and meditation teacher at the Yoga Sivananda Vedanta Ashram in the mountains of Quebec with renowned professor Praladh, a direct student of Swami Vishnudevananda, one of the first teachers of India in introduce yoga in the West. Claudio received his 300 hour certification, practiced 6 months of intense Sadhana (spiritual practice) and began teaching Hatha Yoga in Montreal.
In 2012 he moved to Europe, where he studied Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in Jivamukti Berlin and Yin Yoga taking workshops and retreats.
In 2013 he traveled to Nepal to study Sound Healing with Tibetan Bowls , Gongs, Bells and Mantras taking certification and courses at the Kundalini Sound and Herbal Healing School in Kathmandu with the renowned teacher and healer Chaitanyashree. After Nepal, he travels to India to study classical music of India on Sitar, Esraj and Bansuri and voice technique in Calcutta and Varanasi.
From there, Claudio moved back to live in Riviera Maya Mexico, teaching yoga and workshops on Nada Yoga, Mantra Yoga and playing Sound Healing concerts, which he continues to do here in Aotearoa. He is a local favourite throughout greater Wellington region AND at AWHI!