Two days where the dead come to join paths with the living. Honoring the dead with lively celebrations, food, drinks and multiple activities. A rare holiday which celebrates death and life. Unlike many holidays where mourning is exchanged for many celebrations.

This holiday may be next to October 31st, the day of Halloween, but it is not at all associated with it. Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead – is a lighthearted celebration, which invokes families to bring

memorable items and offerings for the dead to their cemeteries and ofrendas created in one’s home.

What are Ofrendas?

Two days where the dead come to join paths with the living. Honoring the dead with lively celebrations, food, drinks and multiple activities. A rare holiday which celebrates death and life. Unlike many holidays where mourning is exchanged for many celebrations.

How people celebrate:

Skulls – Calaveras

Many use hand-made skulls of different materials such as sugar and clay to place as decorationon ofrendas. People also paint skulls on their own or others faces. They are used to recognize and celebrate the person who has passed.

Marigolds – Flor de Muerto 

Marigolds are believe to be used as pathways for the dead spirits so they can find there way to their living loved ones. The vibrant colors ans scent attract the souls, as they return to their favorite things such as food. The Flor de Muerto symbolize the beauty and fragility of life.

Offerings – Ofrendas

Ofrendas is the tradition the holds the most meaning. In the ofrenda it has a collection of meaningful offerings and personal items for the dead spirits. Ofrendas are covered with brightly colored cloths. On top of the covering are many items to remember the dead such as collections of framed photographs and personal items. On the lower part of the ofrenda are where the offerings are located. Where people include favorite foods or drinks.

What each day means:

November 1st Spirits of the Little Angels – Dia de los Angelitos 

Dia de los Angelitos starts the whole holiday off midnight November 1st. This is when all spirits of deceased children reunite with their families for twenty four hours. Before reuniting family members gather to create ofrendas for the spirits to look over. In these ofrendas the deceased children can find snacks, toys, candies and framed photographs. One can aslo find decorated sugar skulls engrave

d with the name of the spirit. This allows encouragement for the spirit to reunite with their family.

November 2nd Spirits of the Adults – Dia de los Difuntos 

Continuing to the following day at midnight, a new spirit come. On November 2nd, this is when all spirits of deceased adults reunite with their families for twenty four hours as well. The night is filled with laughter and joy creating multiple memories. In this case for the ofrendas include different items. For these ofrendas you will see more of a adult-like theme. You can see diferrent beverages such as alcoholic types, favorite foods and also framed photographs. Families enjoy this day by watching movies, playing games and dancing or listening to music that the deceased adults enjoyed.

Day of the Dead – Dia de los Muertos 

Lastly the day where all are celebrated, Day of the Dead – Dia de los Muertos. There are many

ways that this day can go about. People will join each other, and together create a big parade to celebrate. Painting skulls on one another and dressing up in tuxedos and dresses. Others go by to their loved one’s cemetery. Families will go to cemeteries and decorate, using Marigolds, gifts and sugar skulls with the name of the departed.

Many of us see the death of someone as a very sad event. Those who celebrate Day of the Dead view death as a welcoming part of life. Brightly colored items, skulls and marigolds surrounding everywhere during the holiday. Days to cross paths with the departed, making special memories.