D'a de los Muertos
D’a de los Muertos
November 2
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a national holiday in Mexico and is observed in Hispanic communities throughout the U.S. Many Mexicans believe that the spirits of the dead return to enjoy a visit with their friends and relatives on this day. Long before sunrise, people stream into the cemeteries laden with candles, flowers, and food that is often shaped and decorated to resemble the symbols of death. Children eat tiny chocolate hearses, sugar funeral wreaths, and candy skulls and coffins. But the atmosphere is festive.
In many homes people set up ofrendas, or altars, to the departed. These are decked with lighted candles, special foods, and whatever the dead enjoyed when they were alive.
See also All Souls' Day; Angelitos, Los
In many homes people set up ofrendas, or altars, to the departed. These are decked with lighted candles, special foods, and whatever the dead enjoyed when they were alive.
See also All Souls' Day; Angelitos, Los
CONTACTS:
Mexico Tourism Board
21 E. 63rd St., Fl. 3
New York, NY 10021
800-446-3942 or 212-821-0314; fax: 212-821-0367
www.visitmexico.com
Mexico Tourism Board
21 E. 63rd St., Fl. 3
New York, NY 10021
800-446-3942 or 212-821-0314; fax: 212-821-0367
www.visitmexico.com
SOURCES:
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 636
HolSymbols-2009, p. 184
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 636
HolSymbols-2009, p. 184
Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary, Fourth Edition. © 2010 by Omnigraphics, Inc.