Day of the Dead Mexico celebrates a yearly tradition called the Day of the Dead, during the last days of October and the first days of November. Due to the duration of this festivity and the way people get involved in it, it has been called “The Cult of Death.’’

Beliefs The people believe the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31 st, and the spirits of all deceased children are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2 nd, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.

History More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico, they encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death. The ritual is known today as Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico, they encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death. The ritual is known today as Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

Traditions One of their traditions is to pray to the souls of their dead relatives, asking them to return for just one more night. People dress up in colorful outfits and skeleton masks. People often go to parks with their families, and eat the favorite foods and drinks of their dead relatives. Also, girls like to make replica dolls of the people who died out of dough. They dance around in wooden skull masks called calacas in honor of their deceased relatives.

Lighting and decorations Skeletons are displayed throughout cities. People decorate the altars in their homes and gravesites with food, candles, candy skulls, and marigolds to welcome souls back to earth. Skeletons are displayed throughout cities. People decorate the altars in their homes and gravesites with food, candles, candy skulls, and marigolds to welcome souls back to earth.

The Parade People dress as skeletons and decorate themselves, and dance and parade through the streets. This ritual is known as Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Skeletons are everywhere, from tissue-paper scenes to tiny plastic toys.

Food On November 1st (The Day of the Dead). The Mexican people eat a special egg batter. It is often decorated with strips of dough, to look like bones to replicate a dead body. They want to provide the very best things that their deceased loved in life. Many times they cook their favorite dishes. Chocolate often appears sometimes in drinks, as does pumpkin candy.

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The End Directed by Cameron and Julia Thanks for watching!!!