This book is dedicated to the honored and always remembered loved ones who have departed.

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/aej3rgyjrpx7

Author's Note:I believe there are many misconceptions about this holiday. Many people incorrectly consider Dia de los Muertos to be a type of Halloween celebration. I hope this book helps to educate people and feed the curious minds of all children everywhere.

A Few Words You May Not Know

calacas and calaveras : skeletons and skulls

conquistadores: a Spanish conqueror of Mexico and Peru in the 16th century

custom: a traditional way of doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time.

indigenous: characteristic to or of a specific place.

ritual: series of customs or procedures for a ceremony, often religious.

Dia de Los Muertos

Written By Ashley Vining

Dia De Los Meurtos—the Day of the Dead—is a serious tradition that honors the dead through celebration of their life.

Dia de los Muertos views death as a natural part of life. During this time, the dead are awakened from their final resting place to share celebrations with their loved ones.

Although strongly associated with Mexico, where the custom first began, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated everywhere with a Latin population, including Guatemala, Brazil, and parts of the United States.

Día de los Muertos is on November 1 - 2. Divided into two distinct days, Nov. 1 is Dide los Inocentes, which is dedicated to children. Nov. 2 is Dide los Muertos, the actual Day of the Dead. Both days are together called the Day of the Dead, and celebrations can begin as early as Halloween.

During Día de los Muertos, families can create altars in honor of those who have passed away. The altars are decorated with offerings, or “ofrendas,” for the dead and include candles, sugar skulls, flowers, food, beverages and clothes. The graves of the dead are visited, too.

The most familiar symbol of Dia de los Muertos may be the calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls).

The calacas and calaveras can be seen in many forms, such as sweet treats called pan de muertos (bread of the dead) or painted masks. Here they are in the form of mariachi musicians.

These candy coffins are another sweet to help with the bitterness of death. The sugary treats show spirits rising from their graves to revisit the living.