The Day of the Dead, El Dia de los Muertos is a holiday that celebrates dead ancestors returning to earth. On The Day of the Dead the families eat candy, hot chocolate, Bread of the Dead (pan de muerto), chicken, cakes and fruits. On the altars ofrendas (see image) that the mortals make they put photos of the dead ancestors, flowers, incense, little skeletons and treats.

When you celebrate The Day of the Dead, you remember not just the important things but all the little things the dead people did including the food they liked or jokes they made. It's not as scary as Halloween for the Mexicans. They believe that The Day of the Dead is a happy time but are not scared of death. They believe that every one dies and that this is just a part of life. The skeletons represent the dead but are not meant to be scary.

Los Angelitos

Los Angelitos, the souls of children, come before the adults and they usually get toys, not so spicy food and candy and little breads. Everything is samller for children.

The women make a lot of flower arrangements from the copa flowers and these smell really sweet. They clean and decorate the graves and at night they light many candles. El Dia de los Muertos is one of the most important holidays in Mexico and it sounds like a really cool holiday.

Part of a painting by Diego Riverra
about El Dia de los Muertos.