Day of the Dead Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a holiday celebrated throughout Central America. Unlike Halloween (which it is near-Nov 1st), the holiday isn’t scary. Instead it is a way to remember and respect family and friends that have passed away.

The biggest Day of the Dead celebrations are in Mexico.

In Mexico many people build altars in their homes In Mexico many people build altars in their homes. These altars are filled with flowers, pictures, candles, and food.

In some parts of Mexico people also decorate the graves of family and friends that they miss.

The living will often bring a big meal to “share” with the dead The living will often bring a big meal to “share” with the dead. At night the cemetery is filled with beautiful candle light.

Mexico isn’t the only country they celebrates Day of the Dead Mexico isn’t the only country they celebrates Day of the Dead. The country of Guatemala does too, especially in two well known villages. Instead of building altars though, the people of Guatemala build kites.

These colorful kites look very different from the Mexican altars, but they serve a similar purpose.

The colorful kites are built to remember those that have died The colorful kites are built to remember those that have died. Some believe the kites open a temporary door between the living and the dead for a short time, so people can visit with family and friends who they miss.

Building a big kite can take months Building a big kite can take months. People carefully cut tissue paper and attach it with glue in colorful patterns. A giant frame is built in the cemeteries to support the kites.

On the Day of the Dead, the frames are carried to the kites.

The colorful paper is attached to the frame

And then a crew carefully pulls the kites up

The very large kites don’t fly The very large kites don’t fly! They only stand vertical in the cemetery. People come from all over the world to visit and view the kites.

Surprisingly, people don’t save the kites Surprisingly, people don’t save the kites. When the day is over they burn them.