1. Dia de los Muertos

2. Dia de los Muertos is a holiday primarily celebrated in Latin American countries between October November 2

3. Dia de los Muertos

4. What does Dia de los Muertos celebrate?
Celebrates two Catholic Holy Days
Thought to be a period of time when the separation between the living and the dead is not as strong
NOT HALLOWEEN!!!

5. Where did Dia de los Muertos come from?
Was originally celebrated by the Aztecs as a month-long harvest festival
When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived, the festival was shortened and combined with several existing Catholic holy days
All Saints Day (Nov. 1) - Dia de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents) or Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), when the souls of children are welcomed back
All Souls Day (Nov. 2) is when the souls of adults arrive
A period of time for remembrance and celebration of the dead - not intended to be scary or overly solemn

6. All Soul’s Day

7. The popular sugar skull imagery was created by Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada, originally as a way to mock Mexican citizens who took too quickly to European traditions. It was further popularized by Diego Rivera in his mural Dream of a Sunday afternoon along Central Alameda, and is now an accepted part of the imagery of the holiday, with many painting their faces to match.

8. How do people celebrate?
Altars
Some altars are public, but many are private in the home. They include images of the deceased, offerings (ofrendas) of favorite foods, flowers, candles, and candy skulls. Graves are also visited and decorated.
Parades
Although not traditional, recently parades have become more popular, gathering people together to dance and celebrate on their way to the cemetery. Music is also a key part of the celebration.
Special Foods
Special foods are both consumed and placed out as offering. If the favorite food of the deceased is known, that could be a part of creating the family altar. Pan de Muerto (sweet bread topped with sugar) is popular
How do people celebrate?

9. Remember - it’s about celebration and remembrance, not sadness.