Day of the Dead, also known as Dia de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday that, even though you may expect it to, has absolutely nothing to do with Halloween.

Every year, over the first two days of November, families gather to eat, drink and share stories of those who have passed on. They eat a sweet bread called Pan de muerto and the favourite foods of their loved ones. Skulls made of sugar are decorated with bright colors. They decorate alters with Marigold flowers which they believe guides the spirits to visit with friends and family. Toys, pillows, blankets, soda, cigarettes and other things are left out for the weary spirits.

Day of the Dead is a celebration in which people remember and rejoice in the lives of family and friends who have passed on. It’s also a reminder that death need not be feared, and once that is learned then life can be lived freely, filled with merriment and appreciation.

But, for a lot of us it takes a dangerous or threatening predicament to remind us that we should rejoice in life. Like when some motorcycle travelers find themselves in the most precarious of situations, where they may feel death is imminent, but in the end are fortunate to come out with stories of close calls.

Michnus and Elsebie Olivier are in the thick of things in Oaxaca in Mexico awaiting the celebrations which begin on October 31 at midnight, and they share their past experiences and knowledge of Day of the Dead with us. We also look back on stories of adventure riders who found themselves in risky circumstances but lived to tell the tale.

Images: Michnus and Elsebie Olivier - PikiPiki Overland

Episode Contributors

Michnus and Elsebie Olivier - PikiPiki Overland

Michnus and Elsebie Olivier started travelling around the world by motorcycle in 2010 when they took a trip through Africa and they just kept going, never looking back. They’re regulars on ARR regaling us with their travel stories and always have great tips and advice on everything motorcycle travel related.

You can follow their travels and find out more about Michnus and Elsebie on their website at PikiPiki Overland.

Spencer Conway - The Motorcycle Diaries

Spencer Conway and Cathy Nel are on a circumnavigation of Central America, the USA and Canada. Spencer is the author of The Japanese-Speaking Curtain Maker and is featured in the TV series African Motorcycle Diaries, a film about circumnavigating Africa. Find out more about Spencer at http://www.spencer-conway.com.

Link to Episode: Trouble in Panama - Spencer Conway

Luke Gelmi

Luke Gelmi gave up his job in Australia, and sold most of his possessions, in a spontaneous decision to go on a motorcycle adventure. Leaving behind his F800 GS, a bike suitable for the kind of trip he was setting out on, he bought “a wildly inappropriate Royal Enfield” in England. With no set plans, and unprepared, he travelled throughout the UK, some of Europe and Africa. You can read more about Luke’s adventures in his eBooks, available for free at ObliviousTheBook.com

Link to Episode: An Oblivious Adventure in Africa on a Royal Enfield

Jo Rust

Jo Rust was the first woman to circumnavigate Africa on a motorcycle solo. She’s also the author of a book about her adventures in South Africa: Woman Alone Around Africa available on Amazon. Jo is now a personal development coach and you can find out more about her on her website at jorust.com.

Link to Episode: Around Africa: Woman Alone