South and Central America covers the seven republics of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. The country side is as diverse as the 13 countries in South America, from active volcanoes, deep valleys, Caribbean beaches on one side and the Pacific ocean on the other.

Day of the Dead, “Dia de los Muertos” is a holiday celebrated in Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala and other Southern/Central American contries. It is also celebrated in the U.S.A. States such as Texas, California and other locations with large Hispanic populations

Spiritual Significance November 2 nd is the official date for the Day of the Dead, but usually celebrated between Oct. 31 st and Nov. 2. These dates correspond w/the Catholic celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The best way to describe this holiday is to say it is a time when family members who have died are remembered. In Mexico, this festival is considered to be the most important holiday of the year.

The "ofrendas"- offerings, are beautifully arranged with flowers, marigolds which are the traditional flower of the dead. There is a candle placed for each dead soul. Mementos, photos, and other remembrances of the dead are also adorning the ofrenda. Sugar skulls are popular, as are cardboard coffins from which a skeleton can be made to jump out. Pan de muerte (bread of the dead) are one of the foods offered at the alter. Also adorning the alter are papel picado (cut paper) designs.

Sugar skulls

Jose Guadalupe Posada The father of Mexican printmaking, he popularized the images of calaveras and use the prints for social reportage, and as political and social satire

Paper flowers

Papel picado

Pan de muertos

An artist using a punch and hammer to create Papel Picado