I’m sure Gothamist meant well today when they suggest

getting a group together to taste everything (and share a pitcher of margaritas) or make a crawl out of this, after all we’re celebrating a return to the land of the living, to eating, drinking and making the most of it

While I am all for cultural exploration in the form of learning about and trying things from various cultures, it’s cultural appropriation I have a problem with. Too many people seem to think that Latino culture comes in two flavors: margaritas and mojitos. This idea seems to be especially popular on days of historical importance like Cinco de Mayo (which by the way is neither Mexican Independence Day nor an excuse for hipsters to don a cheap sombrero and sing “la cucaracha”).

Día de los Muertos is not chile flavored Halloween. It is a holiday and a tradition that has its roots in the mestisaje of spiritual and cultural practices of indigenous peoples and Spanish conquest. It is a day to honor the ancestors.

Wanna learn more about Día de los Muertos and don’t have any authentic Mexican friends to ask? Local museums such as el Museo del Barrio in NYC are sponsoring events. You can also check out Mexconnect.com for some background.

Via / Gothamist