Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a multi-day holiday celebrated in Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage around the world. The focus of the holiday is gathering to remember and pray for family members and friends who have died. It is considered a day of celebration because the dead awaken and celebrate with the living. Traditions include building home altars called ofrendas and honoring the dead using sugar skulls, Aztec marigolds, and favorite foods and beverages.

Prior to Spanish colonization of what is now Mexico in the 16th century, the celebration took place at the beginning of summer. Gradually, it became associated with October 31, November 1, and November 2 to coincide with the Western Christian traditions of All Saints' Eve (Halloween), All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

Subject ID: 110434

More

The Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a multi-day holiday celebrated in Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage around the world. The focus of the holiday is gathering to remember and pray for family members and friends who have died. It is considered a day of celebration because the dead awaken and celebrate with the living. Traditions include building home altars called ofrendas and honoring the dead using sugar skulls, Aztec marigolds, and favorite foods and beverages.

Prior to Spanish colonization of what is now Mexico in the 16th century, the celebration took place at the beginning of summer. Gradually, it became associated with October 31, November 1, and November 2 to coincide with the Western Christian traditions of All Saints' Eve (Halloween), All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

In English-speaking countries, the holiday is sometimes called Día de los Muertos, a back-translation of its original Mexican name, Día de Muertos.

Subject ID: 110434

Less