An introductory lesson on the Day of the Dead.

1. Mexican Culture Dia de Los Muertos or The Day of the Dead

2. Tradition Mexicans honor their loved ones who have passed away on the Day of the Dead.

3. Celebrated October 31 –November 2 The Day of the Dead (October 31) was an Aztec tradition, which was blended with the Christian holiday All Saints Day (November 1).

4. Celebrated October 31 –November 2 October 31 – Festivities begin at Midnight November 1 - begins the Dia de los Muertos (also known as "Day of the Dead") festivities with All Saints Day in which the deceased children are honored and remembered.

5. Celebrated October 31 –November 2 November 2 - All Souls Day is for the remembrance of the adult dead. Dia de los Muertos combines these days to celebrate the the deceased and enjoy their memories.

6. Not Halloween This holiday should NOT be confused with the American holiday of Halloween Dia de los Muertos is not at all scary, spooky or somber. Mexicans believe the spirits of the deceased pay a visit to their families during Dia de los Muertos, and the families prepare an altar for them.

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

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

9. altars

10. marigolds Marigolds are a significant symbol for the Day of the Dead festivity and are known as the "flower of the dead." Their scent is believed to "attract the souls and draw them back."

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

12. Sugar Skulls

13. There are even very fancy sugar skulls

14. Video 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 celebration Food for the Ancestors

15. More Resources Click on here to watch several videos on The Day of the Dead http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/video/ Click here for a recipe for Pan de Muerto, a sweetbread eaten during the celebration. http://mexicanfood.about.com/od/sweetsanddesserts/r/pandemuerto.htm Click here to see a photo gallery http://gomexico.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/ig/Day-of-the-Dead/ Click here for a Mexican Cemetery walk http://studyspanish.com/comps/cemetery.htm