What is Day of the Dead?

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is not a day of scary skeletons, it is a Hispanic holiday that was taken from the Aztec custom of All Souls' Day that started around the early 1500s. This day celebrates the life of ancestors or close relatives who have passed away. It is a time to remember their family members and the wonderful lives they lived.

When is Day of the Dead celebrated?

The Day of the Dead is usually celebrated November 1st and 2nd, which is the very next day after we celebrate Halloween! It is said that the relatives who have passed will begin to come back October 31st and last through the first days of November.

Día de los Angelitos

Dia de los Anglitos, translates to Day of little Angels. It is said that on November 1st, the first day of this celebration, is the day when the spirits of the infants and little children who have passed come to Earth. They are referred to "Angelitos" - little angels, and they come to Earth on the first day because they are believed to have a special place in heaven for them.

Día de los Difuntos

Along with Día de los Muertos, Día de los Difuntos translates to Day of the Dead. November 2nd, is the day in the celebration where all the adult spirits come to Earth. Adults who have passed are still important to their loved ones and receive the same amount of celebration for Day of the Dead that the infants and younger spirits do.

Traditions

One of the most popular traditions that happens during Day of the Dead is the visiting of grave sites of the loved ones. Grave sites are usually cleaned, weeds will be pulled and any trash that has collected around the sites will be picked up. Decorating the grave sites is also another tradition that takes place! Decorating the grave sites can be done with candles, food, flowers and anything the deceased would have loved. The family and loved ones would gather around and tell stories, share memories and celebrate the loved one's life.

Sugar Candy Skulls

Another tradition for Day of the Dead are the sugar candy skulls. Imported sugars were too expensive for Mexico residents, the sugar candy skulls are made from simple sugar that is decorated for the celebration and inexpensive. Sugar Candy Skulls are a representation of a departed soul- many skulls are created with the name of the deceased relative and placed in an offering spot in the home or at the grave site. Many alternatives have been created to fit the person who has passed.