Dia De Los Muertos: A Celebration of Life and Death
Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican cultural celebration that honors friends and family who have died.
It is traditionally celebrated on October 31, and observed November 1-2, but is not connected to the spooky holiday of Halloween, despite the overlap in dates.
Día de los Muertos is a day to honor your ancestors and your deceased loved ones and to welcome them back with altars of their favorite things, pictures, candles, and marigolds.
As part of the celebration, people create intricate makeup looks, including ornate skulls, to pay reverence to their loved ones.
- Altars are created with favorite items, pictures, and candles.
- Stories and memories of the deceased are shared.
- Favorite foods are displayed as an offering.
According to MUA artist Judith Batista, the celebration is a time to welcome back and honor those who have passed away.
Author's summary: Dia De Los Muertos honors the dead with ornate makeup and altars.