Dia de Los Muertos (All Souls Day) Re-Post!

“Dia de los Muertos” is Latin America’s version of Halloween except it’s the dead who get ‘dressed up’ rather than the living. On November 1st and 2nd, observers of this holiday honor loved ones who have passed away, and spend the day at cemeteries decorating grave sites with traditional ornamentation, and often have meals consisting of the deceased’s favorite foods. Marigold’s (cempasúchitls), sugar skulls, candles, colorful ‘papel picado’ and comical skeleton figurines are placed on grave sites or in private altars created in homes to celebrate the lives of family members who’ve passed away.

In most regions of Mexico, November 1st honors children and infants, and is generally known as “Día de los Inocentes” (Day of the Innocents) or “Día de los Angelitos” (Day of the Little Angels). Adults are honored on November 2nd , “Día de los Muertos” or “Día de los Difuntos” (Day of the Dead or Deceased).

Having fully embraced Halloween, the American holiday celebrates the dead by dressing-up as ghoulish characters from beyond, it’s nice to honor our loved ones in this colorful and happy Latin American tradition where their resting places are clad in finery and families gather to remember their relatives while enjoying the same trappings they once enjoyed together.

Women dress up as Catrinas, with colorful face paint resembling a skeleton, wear flowers in their hair and beautiful dresses.

Dia de los Muertos has become a popular celebration over the years, and is now observed in many countries. The traditional pan de muerto or bread of the dead is sold at bakeries, and is shared with the family and friends with a steaming cup of chocolate caliente.

This Halloween, extend the fun by adding a new tradition. Decorate an altar and place an ofrenda (offering) with a photo or photos of those who are gone, and leave it up until November 2nd.

Feliz Dia de los Muertos to all!