EL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS El 1 y 2 de noviembre

What is Day of the Dead? One of the most important holidays in Mexico Also celebrated in other C.A. & S.A. countries Honors those who have died Believe the souls of the dead return to earth Día de los Angelitos (1 st ) Día de las Almas (2 nd )

A Fusion of Cultures Indigenous people (Aztec)European conquerors

Aztec beliefs Life is a dream. Death is waking up from the dream Not to be feared Mid-way through their year, they honored their dead with a month-long celebration

Spanish missionaries Incorporate indigenous beliefs in order to convert them to Catholicism Changed date to coincide with All Saints Day and All Souls Day Today, many aspects are a mixture of the cultures

Typical events for Day of the Dead Lengthy advanced preparations Decorations Altars Family gatherings Cemetery visits

Cleaning of graves

Buying supplies

Decorations--skulls

Decoration--skeletons

La Catrina

Building altars (ofrendas)

Altars often have multiple levels

Typical ofrendas have items to appeal to the senses

4 elements represented--earth

4 elements--fire

4 elements--water

4 elements—air/ wind

Items specific to those honored Portrait Favorite foods & beverages Items dear to them on earth Representative of their hobbies/ passions

Family gatherings Cooking Meal Prayers for loved one Tell funny stories about or lessons learned from the deceased Silence to feel the presence of the soul Trip to cemetery

Cemetery Visits

Cemeteries at night

Joyous and spiritual day