Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd that focuses on remembering and honoring friends and family who have passed away. It combines indigenous beliefs about celebrating the dead with Catholic traditions of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Families build altars with photos and items representing their deceased loved ones and visit gravesites to pray. Celebrations vary regionally but include decorating with calaveras (sugar skulls), marigolds, and papel picado banners. Children participate by dressing up and asking for treats from altars instead of candy.
2. THE DAY OF THE
DEAD (SPANISH: DÍA DE MUERTOS)
is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in
particular the Central and South regions, and by people of
Mexican ancestry living in other places, especially the
United States. It is acknowledged internationally in many
other cultures. The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings
of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and
family members who have died
3. DAY OF THE DREAD (ORIGIN)
Day of the Dead is an important Mexican holiday
that celebrates and honors deceased loved ones. In
Mexico, the celebration is held from October 31 to
November 2nd, coinciding with the Catholic feast
days of All Saints and All Souls, but the
festival's origins are rooted in a combination of
elements of indigenous beliefs and Catholic
teachings. Over time it has evolved, adding some
new ideas and practices, ultimately transcending
its origins to evolve into the truly Mexican
holiday that is celebrated today as Día de
Muertos or Hanal Pixan in the Maya area.
4. DAY OF THE DEAD TODAY
Celebrations vary from place to place. Some of the best Day
of the Dead destinations include Oaxaca, Patzcuaro and
Janitzio in Michoacan, and Mixquic, on the outskirts of
Mexico City. Day of the Dead is a continually evolving
tradition, and Mexico's proximity to the United States has
enhanced the overlap that exists between Halloween and Day of
the Dead. Children dress up in costumes and, in the Mexican
version of trick-or-treating, go out to pedir Muertos (ask
for the dead). In some locations, instead of candy, they'll
be given items off the family Day of the Dead altar.