Day of the Dead

What holiday is one of the biggest holidays of the year in Mexico?

"Dia de los muertos" day of the dead

What is the difference between dia de los muertos and Halloween?

"dia de los muertos" is a celebration of life, while Halloween is more of a time to enjoy a good scare

What are some traditional foods eaten at this time of the year?

"pan de muertos"(bread of the dead) and sugar skulls

What is the 3 tier alter covered in?

"papel picado" - which is bright colored tissue paper with cut out designs

How many tiers or levels are there on an alter?

3

When is the first day and what happens on it?

November 1 - it is believed that those who die as young children to visit

When is the second day and what happens on it?

November 2 - those who died as adults are said to return

What is the most important thing to put on a day of the Dead alter?

a photograph of the person who you are dedicating the alter to

What kind of tradition is the day of the dead sand designs?

a prehispanic one that has last throughout the years

What do many people construct in their homes?

altars

What are placed all over the alter?

candles

What should the Day of the Dead bread be accompanied by on the alter?

fruit and candy

What do families do on day of the dead?

gather together to remember the lives of those who have passed on

What does the light of the candle do?

illuminate the way for the dead upon their return

Rather than being a sad time, what is day of the dead like?

it is a chance to remember happy events of the past and reflect upon the lives of friends and relatives who are no longer with us

What is "dia de los muertos" a celebration of?

life and the belief that death is simply a part of life

When does the "Day of the Dead actually take place?

over 2 days

What is there also on some altars in addition to the decorations generally there?

some of the departed's favorite foods, or in the case of children, favorite toys

What do people in Mexico believe happens on this day?

the dead return to be among the living

What is placed around the other figures to decorate and a leave a fragrance on the alter?

the traditional cempasuchil flower

What are altars generally decorated with?

with flowers, candles and a photograph of the decease