1. El Dia De Los Muertos: The Day of The Dead
Kristel Valle
Spanish AB Initio

2. ¿Cuando celebran los mexicanos el Dia de los Muertos?
Noviembre 1 – El dia de los angelitos
Noviembre 2
October 31st- Preparation day

3. Historia
Aztecs- celebrated for the goddess of the underworld, Mictecacihuatl and All Saints’ and All Souls’ days.
Honor the lady of the dead- La Catrina
Skeleton woman wearing a fancy hat

4. ¿Que celebran y por que?
Mexican Celebration
Celebrate and remember the death and life of those who have departed
Prepare special foods in honor of deceased loved ones

5. LANTERN
ARCH
FLOWERS- MARIGOLD
WATER
BANQUET
INCENSE
CALAVERAS
FIRE- CANDLES

6. El Dia Del los Muertos
Halloween
Celebrated on October 31
Brings to mind images of skeletons, devils, and ghosts.
Avoid cemeteries
Celebrated on November 1-2
More family-centered holiday
Celebrates death
Demonstrate a
Fusion of pre- christian and christian beliefs

7. Comparison of El dia de los Muertos to Philippines’ Traditions
Both El dia de los Muertos and the Philippines’ celebration of All saints’ and all souls’ day are family-centered holidays. This is a time where many Filipinos (about a million) come to the cemeteries where their deceased loved ones are, to honor them and celebrate their death. Offerings such as flowers, candles or maybe even food are placed on the graves of the dead loved ones. It is common that some members of the family stay in the graves of their loved ones overnight, setting up tents and mats by the graves. Another practice that is common though is not necessarily done by all families, is how candles are lit during the night to guide the spirits back to their old homes so their spirits could visit. Most of the traditions are based on the catholic religion.

9. Reflection
It surprised me how different countries and cultures share similar traditions and practices. It was also interesting how different religions have greatly influenced different countries’ way of celebrating festivities.
I think that the cultural differences and similarities exist based on the way different beliefs/ religions and also colonization has influenced and have been adapted by different cultures and countries.
The great essence that is given to different traditions like All saints’ day and All souls’ day might be surprising to other cultures. Filipinos are very family-oriented and really share the nature of celebrating different festivities and traditions together, in a very special way.