1. El Día de los Muertos

2. Una introducción breve
What is it?
traditional Mexican
holiday
time to remember and
honor the dead
When is it?
November 1st and 2nd

3. Una introducción breve
Where is it celebrated?
Mexico
Ecuador
Guatemala
other areas of Latin America
some areas of United States

4. La historia Aztec influence Spanish influence began 3000 years ago
Catholic religion mixed with Aztec traditions
All Saints Day (Nov. 1)
All Souls Day (Nov. 2)

5. Tradiciones: las ofrendas
Altars should include:
picture of the one being  remembered
items they were fond of
favorite foods and drinks
candles
flowers
gifts

6. Tradiciones: la comida
pan de muertos
decorated with designs of bones
plastic skeleton hidden inside

7. Tradiciones: la comida
sugar skulls
sugar candy
decorated with colorful designs
placed on altars
sugar = sweetness of life
skull = sadness of death

8. Tradiciones: las flores
yellow marigolds
symbolize short duration of life
entice spirits to come back
flower wreaths
real and plastic
decorate graves
other flowers used:
wild orchids
white amaryllis
ruby coxcombs

9. Tradiciones: el papel picado
traditional art
decorates homes, businesses, markets and altars
made of thin tissue paper
cut in large quantities
hung in repetitious patterns

10. Tradiciones: las calaveras
candies
sugar and chocolate skulls
marzipan coffins
white chocolate skeletons

11. Tradiciones: las calacas
handmade skeletons
wooden masks
show afterlife
joyful
active
various designs
brides and grooms
musicians
generals on horseback

12. References El Día de los Muertos: pictures and info
Common misconceptions about the Day of the Dead
History, Traditions, and Significance