El Día de los Muertos The Day of the Dead

El Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It is celebrated in Mexico, Central America and parts of the U.S. It is a very special holiday, because it is a time when people remember their loved ones who have passed away. Sometimes, when we hear about this holiday for the first time we might think it seems scary and sad. However, the Day of the Dead is a beautiful tradition when Hispanic people happily and lovingly remember their relatives. Much like when we go to a graveyard to leave flowers on a grave of a relative.

The first people to live in Mexico were the Aztecs The first people to live in Mexico were the Aztecs. To the Aztecs, death was considered a passage to a new life. Instead of being afraid of death, the Aztecs celebrated death. In the early 1500 hundreds the Spanish came to Mexico. They brought their customs, language, and religion. The Aztecs and the Spanish mixed their traditions. The Catholic holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls Day blended with the Aztec celebrations of death and remembrance.

During the month of October, people all over Mexico, Central America and part of the U.S. get ready for El Día de los Muertos. You will see many colorful decorations and delicious foods. Calaveras - brightly decorated skulls Calacas – skeleton figures dressed to represent loved ones Calaveras de azucar - sugar skulls Mascara de calavera – skull mask

Zempazúchitl – marigolds, the flower of the dead Papel picado – a type of artwork made of cut paper Ceras – candles Pan de Muerto - bread of the dead

Ofrendas, or offerings, are set up in each house Ofrendas, or offerings, are set up in each house. Ofrends are similar to altars, they are made to honor family members and friends that have passed away. Ofrendas are set up on a table and decorated with the honored person’s favorite things.

La Ofrenda The main elements on the Ofrenda are: Pictures Candles Food Skulls Skeletons Flowers Objects of remembrance

Families also go to the graveyard to clean and decorate the tombs of their loved ones. They bring flowers, bread and food. Slowly and quietly, the cemeteries fill up. As more people arrive the fiesta begins. The music of mariachi bands can be heard, children play games, and everyone eats a delicious meal. The whole time, they are celebrating and remembering their loved ones.

At night, the folk dances begin At night, the folk dances begin. The traditional dance is called La Danza de los Viejitos, or the Dance of the Old Men. In pre-Hispanic times this dance was performed as a ritual honoring the Sun.

At midnight, the graveyard becomes a quiet place At midnight, the graveyard becomes a quiet place. People feel the close presence of their loved ones at this time. In many ways people feel their loved ones return to the earth for a short time to visit during this holiday. People who celebrate El Dia de los Muertos do not see this as a scary event. Instead, people are happy to have more time to spend with loved ones that have passed away.

The Day of the Dead is a wonderful celebration of life! The reason for this beautiful holiday is to joyfully and happily remember relatives who have passed on. The Day of the Dead is a wonderful celebration of life!