El Dia De Los Muertos, or The Day Of The Dead, is a celebration of life after death. It is truly a vibrant, meaningful holiday that is filled of great food, colorful decorations and family. We all have seen the colorful skulls and painted faces, but it’s time you experienced the holiday as it is meant to be.
It’s Time For You To Experience The Day Of The Dead
When?
This year the Day of the Dead festival will be from October 31, 2018 – November 2, 2018.
Where?
Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout Mexico especially in Central and Southern portions of the country. It is also celebrated throughout the world by people who cherish their Mexican heritage!
You can celebrate at home too! This beautiful festival is not just for those who are celebrating as part of a community in Mexico.
What?
On October 31, All Hallows Eve, the children make a children’s altar to invite the angelitos (spirits of dead children) to come back for a visit. November 1 is All Saints Day, and the adult spirits will come to visit. November 2 is All Souls Day, when families go to the cemetery to decorate the graves and tombs of their relatives. The three-day fiesta is filled with marigolds, the flowers of the dead; muertos (the bread of the dead); sugar skulls; cardboard skeletons; tissue paper decorations; fruit and nuts; incense, and other traditional foods and decorations. ”
— Frances Ann Day, Latina and Latino Voices in Literature
This quote from Frances Ann Day is a great introduction to the process of the Day of the Dead and what each day of the celebration represents! It also gives you a good idea of how the holiday is traditionally celebrated. It’s not just a Halloween celebration though the holidays coincide.
Why?
Many cultures have holidays and celebrations to honor the dead. It’s a way to celebrate their lives and remember the impact they have on those who are still living. Celebrating the lives of our loved ones who have passed on is a way to keep them close to our hearts and the Day of the Dead is a beautiful celebration that honors ancestors and heritage with offerings and remembrances.
How can you celebrate at home?
Maybe you want to celebrate The Day of the Dead this year but you aren’t part of a community that celebrates this traditional festival. That’s okay! You can still work in some of the customs and traditional celebrations of Dia de los Muertos! You can celebrate at home if you can’t decorate tombs of your loved ones. You can build your Day of the Dead alter in your home and follow some of the more traditional elements like the offerings and colorful designs with your whole family.
Tamales are one of the most common foods eaten during the festival. You can try this recipe at home! And check out this tutorial for making sugar skulls at home as well!
