Day of the Dead
ofrenda
La ofrenda An altar. It consists of a photo of the one being honored; prayer candles in purple for pain, white for hope and pink for the celebration; pan de los muertos (bread of the dead), a sweetened bread baked in round loaves or skull shapes; marigolds; sugar skulls; papel picado (Mexican tissue-paper decorations); copal (incense to clear the path for spirits return); a glass of water
Papel picado Paper art
Papel Picado
piñata A piñata is a brightly-colored papier-mâché covering either a clay container or cardboard shape.
day of the dead The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died.
calaca figure of a skull or skeletonskull
zarape A long blanket-like shawl, often brightly colored and fringed at the ends, worn especially by Mexican men
copal Copal is a type of resin produced from plant sap. It is used as incense.
ceras Candles used for the altars and the graveyard to illuminate the way for the defunct relatives.
calavera skull
cascarones festive, hollow chicken egg shells, filled with confetti
marigold Flowers used to decorate altars or grave sites.
pan de muerto Sweet bread
Oaxaca A city in Mexico that traditionally celebrates day of the dead
angelitos Little angels. Young children whom have died.
mole Spicy flavored sauce
máscara People often dress up and wear masks to resemble the dead.
máscara
dulces Candy
mariachis Mexican band that plays music at the festivities.