This holiday is celebrated two days, November 1st through November 2nd
November 1st the spirits of deceased babies and children are honored
November 2nd the spirits of adults are honored
Day of the dead is celebrated differently in different regions of Mexico, but in most parts, Day of the Dead is a festive and colorful holiday. People visit cemeteries and decorate the graves and spend time there, praying and remembering their passed loved ones. Mexicans also make altars in their homes to honor and receive the visiting spirits of their deceased family members.
Altar – People make altars in their homes to honor passed loved ones. These altars include pictures of the dead loved ones, their favorite foods, some of theirs favorite clothes, candles, water, flowers, incense. Ofrenda – Ofrendas means “offerings” or “gifts” and refers to the things that are placed on the altar.
Angelitos – Children who have died are called angelitos (“Little angels”). Their spirits are said to return on the night of October 31st through November 1st. Calavera – A calavera is a skull. Colorful sugar skulls are often used to decorate a altar and they often have the name of a deceased person written on the forehead.
Cempasuchil (Marigold) – This yellow flower is also called the flor de muerto (“flower of the dead”). It represents life and hope and is used to decorate altars and graves. The scent of these flowers is said to attract the spirits on Day of the Dead. Pan de Muerto - “bread of the dead” is a special kind of bread that is placed on the altar and is also eaten during this holiday.
La Catrina – “Elegant Skeleton” is a popular Day of the Dead character created by the Mexican Illustrator Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852 – 1913). She is a female skeleton dressed in a big hat and fancy dress. Papel Picado – Cut paper is a popular paper decoration used in all holidays and fiestas in Mexico. This decorative paper is also used to decorate for Day of the Dead.
Many Day of the Dead characters, decorations and activities are festive and fun as a reminder to not fear death and spirits.
! Calavera face painting ! Making altars ! Dressing up like La
Catrina or Calavera
! Decorating sugar skulls
Day of the Dead has
become a popular holiday not only in Mexico but around the world. For many, Day of the Dead is a joyful celebration of life and death. A reminder to enjoy life and to not fear death because our spirits will live on.