Day of the Dead in Second Life

By Fritter Enzyme

The Day of the Dead.  This holiday is observed throughout Mexico in modern times but has roots in many cultures.  Originally taking place at the beginning of summer, it has moved to coincide with All Saints Day.  Many date it back to the Aztec festival of Mictecacihuatl, a goddess of the underworld and the Lady of the Dead.

In Second Life we have the privilege to share in this tradition at the Day of the Dead site.  Sponsored by the Smithsonian, Disney and AARP, this color filled villa brings the holiday to us.  Skulls and skeletons abound, dressed and painted, marigolds or gems for eyes are common.  You can make your own Ofrenda, or altar, to honor those you have lost in a sandbox area, a basic kit is provided for free.  There is a river or memories, with pictures of loved ones and candles, and a pet cemetery for our beloved animal friends. 

Many videos are there to learn tradition from, and stages for artists.  Though the main ceremonies have already happened, it is still open for your participation and exploration.  Food, drink and favorite possessions of the dead are placed at alters for their spirits to partake of.  Asian and African cultures have similar types of celebrations they practice.  I did find it very interesting that a court for the Aztec ball game, which is usable, is set there.  Ulama, the Mesoamerican ballgame can be played by two teams without the traditional killing of the losing team at the end.  This game is one of the oldest continuously played sports in the world. Women played this game often.

I have looked for one of these in the past in Second Life.  Now I have found one.  Set aside some virtual time, make your altar, and remember your dead friends and family.  See the sim and learn it’s stories.  And if you can get two teams together, play some Ulama.  All in all, one of the most interesting places I have seen for a while. 

Smithsonian LVM - UTEP  Placita, UTEP Miners 1 (117, 115, 25)

Links: http://latino.si.edu/education/LVMDayoftheDeadFestival.htm
http://lvmdayofdead.tumblr.com/

Fritter Enzyme

Second Life Jalisco, Mexico

Nothing says Mexico like Tequila and Mariachi music, and the home of both is the Mexican state of Jalisco. Located at Opera Joven (133/17/21), SL Jalisco captures the sights and sounds of this RL Mexican city so realistically that you might find yourself trying to exchange Lindens for pesos.

As soon as you arrive, be sure to turn on your music. Mariachi, as well as other Latino music, adds to the festive mood. Next, hop on the Tequila Express train. It will take you to all the best spots and type fun, informative facts about each site in the chat. It will even stop and wait if you want to sightsee or snap a few photos.

The first scheduled stop is Chapala Lake, the largest lake in Mexico. Next the train travels through the Blue Agave fields. The world-famous agaves are both beautiful and useful. Tequila is made from this type of agave.

In the town itself, there is an opera house where concerts and other events are held. Next to that is a colorful market. When I was there, I found a sale on Charro and other Mexican outfits, as well as free t-shirts. There were colorful Talavera dishes and pots, hammocks, textiles, and furniture to give your own casa or beach a Mexican flavor. You can even buy a piñata here.

Near the market is a Mexican restaurant where you can pick up tacos and other goodies. In the restaurant and outside are plenty of chairs for you and your friends to sit and relax. Complimentary tequila shots are available, too. Be sure to take a few minutes to visit the Museum of Jaliso, which is located above the restaurant. The museum is small, but packed with interesting displays about the history and culture of Jalisco. All of the information is in English, too. Other important sites, such as the Basilica of Zapopan and the Colima volcano are represented here, too.

The RL Jalisco is centrally located in Mexico and bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean. Naturally there is a beach in SL Jalisco, too, that you can reach by train. Don’t forget your sunscreen and beach towel.

Grey Lupindo