1 Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

November 1st

Nationwide. Ancient native people believed that the souls of departed people returned to the earth to visit relatives and to eat and drink on the Day of the Dead.  This celebration is actually a two-day event.  November 1st, or All Saints Day is when departed children are honored.  November 2nd, or All Souls Day is reserved for adults.  On these days families journey to cemeteries to visit graves, erect alters, places candles, and arrange flowers, normally marigolds, which is the flower of the dead.  At home families also erect altars that range from simple to elaborate.  These altars may include the deceased persons' favorite articles, toys, clothing, candy, food and drink.  Pan de muerto, a rich coffee cake, marzipan figures of death, skull shaped candies, and paper mache skulls and skeletons are sold at candy shops, store and food stalls beginning in mid October.

Go Back