The Mexican celebration beginning on October 31 is called El Dia de Los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), and runs parallel to the American celebration of Halloween and the Catholic celebration of All Saints’ Eve. In Mexican culture, it is believed that the spirits of the dead visit their families on October 31 and leave on November 2, which is the day after the Catholic holiday of All Saints’ Day, known as All Souls’ Day.
El Dia de Los Muertos is a day to celebrate, remember and prepare special foods in honor of those who have departed. On this day in Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States, the streets near the cemeteries are filled with decorations of “papel picado” (perforated paper with colorful designs), flowers, candy ‘calaveras’ (skeletons and skulls), and parades.
In preparation, the families with deceased loved ones make altars and place “ofrendas” (offerings) of food such as pan de muertos baked in shapes of skulls and figures, candles, incense, yellow marigolds known as cempazuchitl, and most importantly, a photo of the departed soul is placed on the altar. Children carrying yellow marigolds enjoy the processions to the cemetery. At the cemetery, music is played and dances are made to honor the spirits.
