Halloween is a great time to dress up and indulge in sweet treats, and in the Mexican culture we’ve learned to get excited about Halloween, as well as el Día de Los Muertos, which is the Day of the Dead. This is a day to honor loved ones that have passed away. It’s part of a tradition that has lived on for many years and continues to impact the lives of many.
The Day of the Dead conicides with the Cathoic holiday, called All Soul’s & Saints Day, so their belief is to honor their deceased during these days. According to Mexican Sugar Skull People believe that on October 31st, the spirits of deceased children reunite with their families for 24 hours until November 1st. The next day on November 2nd, the spirits of adults come down to enjoy the festivities that their loved ones have prepared for them.
These are days that are very sacred, where people prepare altars with tamales, hot chocolate, cookies, candies and drinks their deceased loved ones used to enjoy. They decorate the beautiful altars with photographs, flowers, candles and these foods to offer their deceased loved ones.
There are even special meals that are prepared just once a year for this day, such as bread of the dead and a large tamal called zacahuíl that is wrapped in banana leaves. Sugar skulls that are beautifully decorated in bright colors are also a Day of the Dead treat.
Families usually pray for their loved ones and light a candle for each of their relatives that have passed on. There are also special Masses and prayers that take place during this time. Then, on the afternoon of November 2nd, festivities take place at the cemetery where people clean tombs, listen to music and even share a meal with their loved ones.
Day of the Dead is a wonderful and spirtual tradition that helps people cope with the loss of loved ones, as well as a time to share stories and memories of people that made an impact on their lives. This film put together by Film School Shorts sums does a great job describing the Day of the Dead tradition:
