Mexican CultureMexican Culture

Dia de Los MuertosDia de Los Muertos

oror

The Day of the DeadThe Day of the Dead

TraditionTraditionMexicans honor Mexicans honor their loved ones their loved ones who have passed who have passed

away on the Day of away on the Day of the Dead.the Dead.

Celebrated October 31 Celebrated October 31 ––

November 2November 2The Day of the Dead (October 31) was The Day of the Dead (October 31) was

an Aztec tradition, which was blended an Aztec tradition, which was blended with the Christian holiday All Saints with the Christian holiday All Saints Day (November 1).Day (November 1).

  

Celebrated October 31 Celebrated October 31 ––

November 2November 2October 31 October 31 – Festivities begin at Midnight– Festivities begin at Midnight

November 1November 1 - begins the Dia de los - begins the Dia de los Muertos (also known as "Day of the Dead") Muertos (also known as "Day of the Dead") festivities with festivities with All Saints Day All Saints Day in which the in which the deceased children are honored and deceased children are honored and remembered. remembered.

Celebrated October 31 Celebrated October 31 ––

November 2November 2November 2November 2 - - All Souls Day All Souls Day is for the is for the

remembrance of the adult dead. Dia de remembrance of the adult dead. Dia de los Muertos combines these days to los Muertos combines these days to celebrate the the deceased and enjoy celebrate the the deceased and enjoy their memories. their memories.

This holiday should NOT be confused with the This holiday should NOT be confused with the American holiday of HalloweenAmerican holiday of Halloween

Dia de los Muertos is not at all scary, spooky or Dia de los Muertos is not at all scary, spooky or somber. Mexicans believe the spirits of the somber. Mexicans believe the spirits of the deceased pay a visit to their families during deceased pay a visit to their families during Dia de los Muertos, and the families prepare Dia de los Muertos, and the families prepare an altar for them.an altar for them.

There are several places where this There are several places where this holiday is celebrated, but Mexico is holiday is celebrated, but Mexico is most popularmost popular

altarsaltarsBefore Dia de los Muertos, an area of the Before Dia de los Muertos, an area of the house is cleaned up and the furniture house is cleaned up and the furniture removed to make room for the altar.removed to make room for the altar.

altarsaltars

marigoldsmarigoldsMarigolds are a significant Marigolds are a significant symbol for the Day of the symbol for the Day of the

Dead festivity and are Dead festivity and are known as the "flower of known as the "flower of the dead." Their scent is the dead." Their scent is believed to "attract the believed to "attract the souls and draw them souls and draw them

back." back."

Sugar SkullsSugar SkullsThe most popular "Dia de los Muertos" offering is Sugar Skulls, a The most popular "Dia de los Muertos" offering is Sugar Skulls, a traditional folk art from Central and Southern Mexico used to traditional folk art from Central and Southern Mexico used to celebrate Day of the Dead. celebrate Day of the Dead.

Sugar SkullsSugar Skulls

There are even very fancy sugar There are even very fancy sugar skullsskulls

Video TimeVideo Time

Use this link to view a video all about the Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead Lesson

This is a great video about this important celebrationFood for the Ancestors

More ResourcesMore Resources

Click on here to watch several videos on The Day of the Click on here to watch several videos on The Day of the DeadDead

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/video/http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/video/

  Click here for a recipe for Pan de Muerto, a sweetbread Click here for a recipe for Pan de Muerto, a sweetbread eaten during the celebration.eaten during the celebration.

http://mexicanfood.about.com/od/sweetsanddesserts/r/http://mexicanfood.about.com/od/sweetsanddesserts/r/pandemuerto.htmpandemuerto.htm

  Click here to see a photo gallery Click here to see a photo gallery

http://gomexico.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/ig/Day-of-http://gomexico.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/ig/Day-of-the-Dead/the-Dead/

  Click here for a Mexican Cemetery walkClick here for a Mexican Cemetery walk

http://studyspanish.com/comps/cemetery.htmhttp://studyspanish.com/comps/cemetery.htm