Dia de Los Muertos, El Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead
altares
altars
las calacas
whimsical decorated skeleton figures- represent death and used as popular decoration for day of the dead altars, etc.
alebrije
alebrijes are represented in Mexican folk art as vibrant, fantastical creatures that often resemble dragons, lizards and other mystical creatures. In the animated Disney film about Day of the Dead, Coco, alebrijes are "spirit animals" that guide the spirits of ancestors on their journey.
pan de muertos
bread of the dead: traditional sweet bread baked and eaten by families of the dead and also placed on the ofrenda altar.
las velas
candles
las velas
candles- placed on the altar to guide the souls to the altar
el cementerio
cementery
dia de los muertos
day of the dead: time to celebrate the death and life of departed friends and loved ones
las flores
flowers. Marigolds - These yellow-orange flowers, also called cempasúchitl, symbolize death. Their petals are most commonly used to decorate the alters and tombs. Their strong fragrance also help lead the dead back to their altars.
atole
hot Mexican drink made with cornstarch and used to nourish and warm the spirits when they return or leave
cempzuchitl
marigold
la ofrenda
offering altar set up in families' homes to honor, welcome and service the traveling spirits of their deceased family members during the day of the dead celebrations
el papel picado
paper cut-out - technique of cutting out special designs in colorful tissue paper. Banners or flags that are often incorporated into the altars (ofrendas) during the Day of the Dead and are hung throughout the streets during festivals and holidays.
el copal
resin used as incense- placed on altar to help guide spirits home
el esqueleto
skeleton
mole
spicy chocolate sauce. mole could be considered as the Mexican version of curry, in the sense that it is a sumptuous sauce composed of many different ingredients, served alongside vegetables, chicken or pork. Also, it's a dish that is mostly served during big occasions and festivities.
las calaveras de azúcar
sugar skulls
las calaveras
sugar skulls: traditional folk art of Mexico in which a sugar mixture is pressed into skull-shaped molds, dried, and then colorfully and attractively decorated
la tumba
the tomb or grave site- cleaned up and decorated by the family members of the deceased. Items such as the deceased favorite food, drink, items etc.
el 1 y 2 de noviembre
two days spent in honor of the dead: first day celebrates infants and children who died; second day is in honor of adults who have passed on
