The best ways to celebrate Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) this year

The Mexican holiday Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is not seen as a time to mourn, but to celebrate loved ones passed on.

It kicks off on November 2, meaning you may spot a lot of colour, skulls and tequila around the city. 

Mexican artist Cecilia Mijangos joined the AM Show on Friday to explain why despite the skulls and celebration of death, it's not a scary holiday. 

"It's a beautiful holiday, there's nothing scary about it - its a very nice festival and very colourful," she says. 

"Were all going to die one day -  it doesn't matter if you're tall, famous or not, we're all going to finish as skeletons, right?"

With this slightly daunting prospect, she explained it's a chance to celebrate loved ones who are no longer with us. 

"What I love about this specific tradition [is] we remind and honour our ancestors, the people that passed. It's an amazing opportunity to talk to future generations about them. 

"It's when you connect life and death at the same time.. .and prepare special food for them." 

Ah yes, Mexican food - perhaps one of the best bits of the whole celebration. Mijangos suggests making quesadillas at home to celebrate, but if you want to brave the skull-filled streets of Auckland, here are our top picks: 

Mexico: This spicy stalwart will be celebrating with one of the most Instagrammable creations you've ever seen. For just one day they're selling a BLACK charcoal brioche burger, filled with fried chicken, chipotle mayo, and slaw.

While it may be slightly intimidating on the table, I had a sneak peek and can attest to the fact it tastes bloody delicious. Their famous fried chicken will also be half price, just in case you need a double chicken fix.  

La Fuente: In the city, the Snickel Lane wine and mezcal bar will be celebrating on Friday and Saturday with a three-course deathly delight:

  • Scallop aguachile, green chilli, lime juice on a lettuce cup, paired with Garage Project La Calavera Catrina, a watermelon and habanero blonde lager
  • Seared beef and goat's cheese tostada & pomegranate, paired with 2018 Garage Project Vino Magico, or a Riesling/Chardonnay
  • Chocolate & Mezcal ice cream with caramel sauce & poached pear, paired with Del Tio Ro, Espadin Mezcal

However you want to celebrate, Feliz Día de los Muertos a todos to you!

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