Festivals: Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead

People sometimes write letters
dedicated to the dead

Day of the Dead it´s a Mexican celebration that remembers the deaths of ancestors. This celebration Include building private altars with photos and memorabilia of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts. Visitors also leave possessions of the deceased at the graves. It begins in October 31 and ends on the second of November. By the late 20th century in most regions of Mexico, practices had developed to honor dead children on November 1, and to honor dead adults on November 2. November 1 is referred to as "Day of the Little Angels"and November 2 is referred to as "Day of the Dead".

The origins of the modern Mexican holiday date back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl. The holiday has spread throughout the world that now it has become a national symbol and as such is taught in the nation's schools. Many families celebrate a traditional "All Saints' Day" associated with the Catholic Church.

Food and Drinks

Pan de muerto is a type of sweet roll that is often decorated with bone-shape, these represent the deceased one. As part of the celebration, loved ones eat it as well as the relative's favorite foods.

Atole is one of the traditional drinks that you can drink. It Is served with churros as a breakfast or as a afternoon snack. This is also very popular during Las Posadas where it is served alongside tamales.

How to Dress?

For Day of the Dead it is tradition to dress up as Catrina (La Catrina is the joyful representation of death. She has become a symbol of the Día de los Muertos festivities.), Witches and skeletons. This represents and mocks death. You must paint your face white and make two black circles around your eyes, simulating a skull. As for clothing, you can choose the one you want according to the character you will be.