The Day of the Dead

When is the Day of the Dead?

The Day of the Dead falls on November 1 and 2 of each year, coinciding with the Catholic holidays All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Although November 2nd is the official date for the Day of the Dead, it is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd. Usually the preparations (and some festivities) start even earlier than that.

How do people celebrate the Day of the Dead?

The most common ways of celebrating the Day of the Dead in Mexico include: setting up an altar with offerings, cleaning and decorating graves, holding all-night graveside vigils, telling stories about the deceased, and making (or buying) and exchanging sugar skulls and other sweets.

What is Dia de los Muertos?

Dia de los Muertos is a holiday for remembering and honouring those who have passed. It is a festive, joyous time of celebration. The Day of the Dead is Mexico's most important holiday.

Who celebrates the Day of the Dead?

Dia de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico. the Day of the Dead has also taken hold in areas with a high Mexican immigrant population, particularly in California, Texas, Arizona and other parts of the United States.

Who started the Day of the Dead?

Dia de los Muertos originated centuries ago in Mexico, where it is still widely celebrated to this day. The holiday is a blend of pre-Hispanic indigenous beliefs and Spanish Catholic beliefs.

Where is the Day of the Dead celebrated?

In homes, people create altars to honour their deceased loved ones. In some places it is common to allow guests to enter the house to view the altar. In graveyards, families clean the graves of their loved ones, which they then decorate with flowers, photos, candles, foods and drinks. People stay up all night in the graveyards, socializing and telling funny stories about their dead ancestors. Musicians are hired to stroll through the graveyard, playing the favourite songs of the dead.

Why do people celebrate the Day of the Dead?

People celebrate Dia de los Muertos to honor their deceased loves ones. It is a loving ritual, full of joy and remembrance. Dia de los Muertos allows the dead to live again. During this time it is believed that the deceased return to their earthly homes to visit and rejoice with their loved ones.