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Day of the Dead - Día de los Muertos : More Information

What is the Day of the Dead? Learn more about the holiday's origins and celebrations in Mexico and beyond.

The Ofrenda: Anatomy of an Altar

Caleveras (Skulls)

A well-known staple. Often made of sugar, meringue, and water and colorfully decorated. The sweet skulls represent the sweetness of the deceased loved one's life.

slide depicting a framed photograph

Photos of Loved Ones

Images of honored loved ones are crucial parts of the ofrenda.

slide depicting traditional pan de muertos baked good

Pan de Muertos

Pan de Muertos is a soft, sweet bread or pastry baked as an offering to the deceased and enjoyed by the living. Traditionally, other treats such as fruit, water, and sometimes alcohol are placed alongside.

slide depicting marigolds

Marigolds

Cempasúchil are marigolds (sometimes called flor de muertos), which are commonly used to adorn altars. Celebrated for their vibrant color, scent, and fragile nature.

slide depicting a colorful tissue paper banner

Papel Picado

Papel picado is a delicate, colorful paper cut into patterns. Often hung above the altar or draped on the base.

slide depicting a bowl of salt with flowers for decoration

Salt (La Sal)

Salt is often included on the altar, as it represents the continuation of life.

slide depicting a white crucifix

Crucifix (La Cruz)

Often, a crucifix is included or a cross is represented in lime or candles. The symbolism varies but can represent the faith of the deceased or the four cardinal directions.

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Día de los Muertos : A Brief Overview

Quick Facts:

  • Celebrated October 31st - November 2nd and combines indigenous Aztec practices with the Catholic holidays All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It is not "Mexican Halloween". 
  • The celebration actually spans multiple days - November 1st is for honoring the spirits of children and is known as Día de los Inocentes, while November 2nd is for honoring adults, the actual Día de los Muertos.
  • Originated in Mexico but is now celebrated throughout Latin America and beyond.
  • Celebrants honor loved ones now deceased and welcome their spirits back to the family home for a short window each year.
  • Recognizes death as another phase in the journey of life, so a day of celebration and remembrance rather than mourning. Observers might clean the graves of loved ones or participate in activities that they enjoyed in life.
  • Families typically display an altar, or ofrenda, with items formerly belonging or of significance to the deceased, including photographs, foods, drinks, and other momentos.
  • For more, see the Grace Museum's informative guide to traditions and symbolism here.

Making of Sugar Skulls

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