2. ?????
• What is it?
– Los Dias de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexico
holiday honoring the dead. Los Dias de los Muertos is not a sad time,
but instead a time of remembering and rejoicing.
• When is it?
– It is celebrated every year at the same time as Halloween and the
Christian holy days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day (November 1st
and 2nd).
• Where is it celebrated?
– It is celebrated in Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, and other areas in
Central and South America populated with the Latino ethnic
background. The Day of the Dead is also celebrated in areas of the
United States, such as California, Texas, and many others, in which the
Mexican/American heritage exists.
3. Traditions- Altars
• In the homes families arrange
ofrenda's or "altars" with
flowers, bread, fruit and candy.
Pictures of the deceased family
members are added. In the late
afternoon special all night
burning candles are lit - it is time
to remember the departed - the
old ones, their parents and
grandparents.
• Altars should include:
– A picture of the one
being remembered
– Items they were fond of
– Something to snack on
– Candles
– Flowers
– Gifts
4. Traditions: Food
• Pan de los Muertos
– Special loaves of bread are baked, called pan de muertos,
and decorated with "bones.
5. Traditions: Flowers
• During los Dias de los Muertos the yellow marigold
symbolizes the short duration of life.
• Other flowers commonly seen during this celebration
include the white amaryllis, wild orchids, baby's breath and
ruby coxcombs are offered as adornment and enticement
for the returning spirits.
• Wreaths made of flowers, both real and plastic, are often
placed on the grave sites.
6. Traditions: Papel Picado
• Papel Picado is a traditional
art used to decorate homes,
businesses, markets and
altars in preparation for the
Day of the Dead.
• The thin tissue paper images
are usually cut in large
quantities and hung in
repetitious patterns.
7. Traditions: Skeletons
• Skeletons and skulls are found everywhere.
Chocolate skulls, marzipan coffins, and white
chocolate skeletons.
• Handmade skeleton figurines, called calacas, are
especially popular. Calacas usually show an active
and joyful afterlife. Figures of musicians, generals on
horseback, even skeletal brides, in their white bridal
gowns marching down the aisles with their boney
grooms.