2. Día de los Muertos Day of the Dead Shannon World History 10th Grade

3. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition that honors the dead. It is now celebrated in Spain, throughout most of Central and South America, and much of the United States, including parts of California, New Mexico, and Arizona. Within México, it is a very important holiday. Guerrero and Oaxaca are two states with the biggest community-wide celebrations of Día de los Muertos. www.azcentral.com

4. Parades: people dress in costumes of the dead--the face becomes a skull and they carry crosses. Cemeteries: the graves of the dead are always decorated with flowers, skulls, and usually food. www.dayofthedead.com

5. Sugar Skulls: literally skulls made out of sugar. Often placed on the altar and made into lollipops for children to suck. www.dayofthedead.com www.mexonline.com/oaxaca/muertos

6. Pan de Muertos AtoleSugar Skulls www.mexonline.com/oaxaca/muertos

7. Altars: los altares always have a picture of the deceased, candles, flowers (usually marigolds), and objects that represent the life of the dead one. The favorite foods of the dead, and Pan de Muertos are always a part of the altar. www.dayofthedead.com

8. Día de los Muertos is celebrated November 1-2. Check out the Mission Cultural Center in SF for a schedule of this year’s events! www.azcentral.com