We can trace Día de muertos back about 3,000 years. It has evolved over the centuries to elaborate celebrations today. Scholars have found evidence of month long festivals dedicated to the Aztec goddess Mictecacihuatl. Indigenous traditions continued and mixed with Catholic elements after the Spaniards arrived in New Spain. It is now associated with the holiday known as All Saints Day, November 1 and All Souls Day, November 2.
Families believe that the dead will visit the family if a place is prepared with their favorite items. On this special day, families provide food, water and other offerings to help the deceased travel to Mictlan, the final resting place. Their celebrations include several elements including decorations and activities.
In the Somos Cultura Kit for Día de Muertos you'll learn how to set up your own altar, plan a special meal, and learn how to paint a sugar skull and your face.
DíA DE MUERTOS
November 1-2
Today, in Mexico and many cities in the U.S., Día de muertos is celebrated on November 1(día de los inocentes or día de los angelitos) to honor dead children and infants and on November 2 to honor deceased adults. In the U.S. you might also hear the day referred to as Día de los muertos. The difference in the two names is a result of día de muertos being translated into English as "day of the dead." Then, when translated back into Spanish it becomes "Día de los muertos." The extra article, the, tells us whether what we are reading about the celebration comes from English or Spanish origin.
