Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico on November 1st and 2nd to remember friends and family members who have passed away. It’s a bright, colorful and flavorful celebration. See our guide below, which explains some of the traditions of the holiday.
ALTARS:
People build elaborate altars in their homes and in cemeteries to honor the deceased. Photos of the deceased, crosses and marigolds decorate the altars. “Ofrendas” (offerings) of gifts, food, sweets and alcohol are left for the spirit of the deceased.
SUGAR SKULLS:
Skulls made of sugar are adorned with candy and are used to decorate altars as well as serving as a delicious treat!
MARIGOLDS:
Altars are decorated with “flor de muerto” (marigolds) which are thought to attract the souls of the deceased to the offerings.
PAN DE MUERTO:
Pan de Muerto is a sweet bread eaten on Dia de los Muertos. It is decorated with bone-like pieces.
CATRINAS:
José Guadalupe Posada illustrated the original “Calavera de la Catrina” (below) in 1910 as a parody of the upper-class. Since then, the Catrina calaveras have become a symbol for Dia de los Muertos.
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