Día de los MuertosDía de los Muertos

What is it?What is it?

““Día de los Muertos” means Day of the Día de los Muertos” means Day of the Dead. It is a traditional Mexican holiday Dead. It is a traditional Mexican holiday

that honors the dead.that honors the dead. ““Día de los Muertos” is not a sad time, but Día de los Muertos” is not a sad time, but instead a time of remembering and rejoicing instead a time of remembering and rejoicing the lives of those who have gone before us.the lives of those who have gone before us.

When is it?When is it?

““Día de los Muertos” is celebrated Día de los Muertos” is celebrated around the same time as Halloween around the same time as Halloween

and the Christian holy days of All and the Christian holy days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.Saints Day and All Souls Day.

(November 1st and 2nd). (November 1st and 2nd).

Where is it celebrated?Where is it celebrated? ““Día de los Muertos” is celebrated in Día de los Muertos” is celebrated in

Mexico, many Spanish-speaking Mexico, many Spanish-speaking countries, and other areas populated with countries, and other areas populated with Hispanic background. It is also celebrated Hispanic background. It is also celebrated

in areas of the United States, such as in areas of the United States, such as Texas, and California. “Día Texas, and California. “Día

de los Muertos” is a Mexican holiday.de los Muertos” is a Mexican holiday.

Las OfrendasLas Ofrendas In the homes, families In the homes, families

arrange “ofrendas” arrange “ofrendas” (altars) with flowers, (altars) with flowers, bread, fruit and candy. bread, fruit and candy. Pictures of the Pictures of the deceased family deceased family members are added. members are added. In the late afternoon, In the late afternoon, special all night special all night burning candles are lit burning candles are lit to remember the to remember the departed.departed.

Altars should include-Altars should include- A picture of the one A picture of the one

being  remembered being  remembered Items they liked Items they liked A snack A snack Candles Candles Flowers Flowers GiftsGifts

Pan de los MuertosPan de los Muertos ““Pan de los Muertos” (Bread of the dead) is made, Pan de los Muertos” (Bread of the dead) is made,

and decorated with bones, to eat during this holiday.and decorated with bones, to eat during this holiday.

Flor de MuertoFlor de Muerto During “Día de los Muertos,” the yellow During “Día de los Muertos,” the yellow marigold symbolizes the short duration of marigold symbolizes the short duration of

life. In modern Mexico, they are called life. In modern Mexico, they are called “Flor de Muerto” (Flower of the dead).“Flor de Muerto” (Flower of the dead).

Flowers are brought to “las ofrendas” to Flowers are brought to “las ofrendas” to attract the dead.attract the dead.

Papel PicadoPapel Picado

““Papel Picado” is a Papel Picado” is a traditional art used to traditional art used to

decorate homes, decorate homes, businesses, markets businesses, markets

and altars in and altars in preparation for the “Día preparation for the “Día

de los Muertos.”de los Muertos.” The thin tissue paper The thin tissue paper

images are usually cut images are usually cut in large quantities and in large quantities and

hung in repetitious hung in repetitious patterns.patterns.

Calaveras and CalacasCalaveras and Calacas ““Calaveras” (skulls) and “calacas” (skeletons) Calaveras” (skulls) and “calacas” (skeletons)

are found everywhere during “Día de los are found everywhere during “Día de los muertos.” Chocolate skulls, sugar skulls, muertos.” Chocolate skulls, sugar skulls,

marzipan coffins, and white chocolate skeletons marzipan coffins, and white chocolate skeletons are common treats made.are common treats made.

Handmade skeleton figurines, called “calacas,” Handmade skeleton figurines, called “calacas,” are especially popular. “Calacas” usually show are especially popular. “Calacas” usually show

an active and joyful afterlife. Figures of an active and joyful afterlife. Figures of musicians, generals on horseback, even skeletal musicians, generals on horseback, even skeletal

brides, in their white bridal gowns marching brides, in their white bridal gowns marching down the aisles with their boney grooms are down the aisles with their boney grooms are how some people represent their loved ones.how some people represent their loved ones.

November 1November 1stst

In most regions, November 1In most regions, November 1stst honors honors the deceased children. This day is also the deceased children. This day is also known as “Día de los Inocentes” (Day known as “Día de los Inocentes” (Day

of the Innocent) or “Día de los of the Innocent) or “Día de los Angelitos” (Day of the Little Angels)Angelitos” (Day of the Little Angels)

Toys are brought for the children to Toys are brought for the children to play with.play with.

November 2November 2ndnd

In most regions of Mexico, In most regions of Mexico, November 2November 2ndnd honors the deceased honors the deceased

adults. adults. Favorite foods are brought to the Favorite foods are brought to the

“ofrendas” for the adults so they “ofrendas” for the adults so they can enjoy their afterlife.can enjoy their afterlife.