The Day of the Dead
Día de los Muertos Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated every November 1 and 2. It is a holiday of remembrance and prayer for friends and loved ones who have passed on. In addition to being a day for reflection, the holiday encourages people to confront and embrace death. The first day of celebration is commonly called “Día de los Innocentes” or “Día de los Angelitos” and is meant to honor dead infants and children.
Día de los Muertos celebrations are held on the Catholic observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Roots of the holiday can be traced back as far the Aztec Civilization. The Aztecs celebrated a similar holiday every August that focused on the goddess “Mictecacihuatl” or “Lady of the Dead”. History
Common Customs include… Preparing special foods Making altars dedicated to dead family members Visiting cemeteries Holding public festivals Wearing Calavera (skull) masks.
Some Common Foods include… Pan de Muertos: a sugary egg bread sometimes decorated with twisted frosting “bones” Sugar and chocolate skulls decorated with the names of dead relatives Candied pumpkin Atole: a beverage made from corn hominy flour, water, unrefined cane sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate or fruit Food can be served either to the living or the dead.
Altars and Ofrendas Most families create altars dedicated to deceased loved ones either in their homes or at his or her gravesite. Altars are decorated with ofrendas or offerings meant to attract the spirits of the dead. Ofrendas can include large Mexican Marigolds, food, bottles of alcohol, religious items, photos, candles, incense, and toys for children. Altars are so common place, even schools and government buildings have them during the season.
Catrina Catrina is an icon of the holiday. First appeared in a 19 th century print by Jose Guadalupe Posada as a parody of an upper class woman. She is often known simply as the Lady of the Dead and is reminiscent of Mictecacihuatl.
Celebrations around the World