Celebration of the Day of the Dead
Día de los Muertos is a longstanding tradition in Latin American countries though it is primarily associated with Mexico in popular culture. The celebration is more than a single day’s event though. It befins on November 1 (All Saints Day or “el Dia de los innnocentes” which honors children who have departed) and runs through November 2 (All Souls Day, which honors adults)1. It is during this time the souls of those who have departed return to provide council or advise loved ones.
Assured that the dead would be insulted by mourning or sadness, Dia de los Muertos celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. Day of the Dead celebrations recognize death as a natural part of the human experience, a continuum with birth, childhood, and growing up to become a contributing member of the community. On these days, the dead are an active part of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share celebrations with their loved ones.2
The tradition of the celebration is a gravesite visit, which may not be practical in the United States, so it was adapted to setting up alters in homes and community events. Altars are usually decorated with flowers, candles, pan de muerto, ceramic skulls, and most importantly pictures of loved ones. Food can placed on the altar consists of the loved ones favorite dishes and treats. Drinks should be placed in the altar to quench the thirst of the dead after their long journey back home.1
The ofrenda, a temporary alter, is often the most recognized symbol of Día de los Muertos. It is a way for families to honor their loved ones and provide them what they need on their journey. They place down pictures of the deceased, along with items that belonged to them and objects that serve as a reminder of their lives.3 The alters traditional include cempasúchil (a type of marigold flower native to Mexico), monarch butterflies (which are believed to hold the spirits of the departed), and calaveritas de azucar (or sugar skulls).3
[1] Tayoya, Helen. The Day of the Dead – November 2nd. Retrieved from http://www.unm.edu/~htafoya/dayofthedead.html
[2] Carly-Sue. Dia de los Muertos. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/dia-de-los-muertos/
[3] Anderson, Maria. 5 Facts About Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). Retrieved from http://insider.si.edu/2016/10/5-facts-dia-de-los-muertos-day-dead/
UCF Resources
Day of the Dead by
The Day of the Dead is the most important annual celebration in Oaxaca, Mexico. Skillfully combining textual information and photographic imagery, this book begins with a discussion of the people of Oaxaca, their way of life, and their way of looking at the world. It then takes the reader through the celebration from the preparations that can begin months in advance through to the private gatherings in homes and finally to the cemetery where the villagers celebrate together - both the living and the dead. The voices in the book are of those people who have participated in the Day of the Dead for as long as they can remember. There are no ghosts here. Only the souls of loved ones who have gone to the Village of the Dead and who are allowed to return once a year to be with their family. Very readable and beautifully illustrated, this book provides an extensive discussion of the people of Oaxaca, their way of life and their beliefs, which make the Day of the Dead logical and easily comprehensible.
Publication Date: 2014-08-30
Indo-Hispanic Folk Art Traditions II by
Cada pueblo tiene sus costumbres y tradiciones. Algunas de ellas se hacen comunes a varios países. La preservación de esos hábitos culturales mantiene viva la memoria histórica de las naciones. Esa modernidad integradora que vive hoy el planeta no excluye las particularidades con que en las diferentes regiones se contempla la vida. El día de los muertos se celebra con un tono ceremonial y festivo en muchas zonas poblacionales que tuvieron contacto con las civilizaciones indígenas. En América la tradición se conserva y enriquece desde tiempos inmemoriales, incluso mucho antes de la llegada de los colonizadores. Este libro se detiene a recopilar los antecedentes de ese fenómeno social; así como el trasfondo religioso que encierra la celebración. El texto es bilingüe. Lo acompañan hermosas ilustraciones.
Publication Date: 1988-06-01- La isla de las almas : the island of the souls by Movie; "The Day of the Dead, an ancient cultural tradition, still flourishes in modern-day Mexico. This beautiful documentary presents the annual commemoration of the Day of the Dead as it is celebrated on the island of La Picanda. On this day when the dead are believed to revisit the temporal realm, the program allows viewers a glimpse into Mexican life as they follow the preparations--including bountiful food offerings and wax statues--and observance of this unique holiday"--Container.
The Skeleton at the Feast by
All over Mexico, early in November, families gather to welcome the souls of the dead on their annual visit home. The smells of burning copal incense and pungent cempas#65533;chil (marigolds) mingle with the aromas of fresh bread, new clothing, sweets, and candles. One of Mexico's most important festivals since prehispanic times, the Day of the Dead is an occasion for celebrating and feasting, cleaning and decorating graves, dancing and making music. In this unique work, the authors explore both the historic origins of this holiday and its colorful present-day celebrations in Mexico and the United States. Interviews with Mexican artists and crafters who provide goods for the festival--from personalized sugar skulls to gigantic papier-m#65533;ch#65533; skeletons--offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional and contemporary attitudes toward death and the dead. Lavishly illustrated with color and black-and-white photographs, The Skeleton at the Feast will be required reading for all who are interested in Mexican culture, art, and folklore.
Publication Date: 1992-03-01
Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead by
Each October, as the Day of the Dead draws near, Mexican markets overflow with decorated breads, fanciful paper cutouts, and whimsical toy skulls and skeletons. To honor deceased relatives, Mexicans decorate graves and erect home altars. Drawing on a rich array of historical and ethnographic evidence, this volume reveals the origin and changing character of this celebrated holiday. It explores the emergence of the Day of the Dead as a symbol of Mexican and Mexican-American national identity. Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead poses a serious challenge to the widespread stereotype of the morbid Mexican, unafraid of death, and obsessed with dying. In fact, the Day of the Dead, as shown here, is a powerful affirmation of life and creativity. Beautifully illustrated, this book is essential for anyone interested in Mexican culture, art, and folklore, as well as contemporary globalization and identity formation.
Publication Date: 2007-01-08
Through the Eyes of the Soul, Day of the Dead in Mexico by
Primero de una serie bilingüe de cuatro partes, cada fotografía del texto aparece con su pie de página en español e inglés. Concentrándose en algunas comunidades del estado de Michoacán, el autor examina las preparaciones y los rituales que rodean los días de todos los muertos y de todos los santos; es decir, el 1 y 2 de noviembre. Esta curiosa celebración está muy difundida en toda América hispana, pero en ninguna parte se da de la manera en que se manifiesta en México. Este libro es el resultado de las visitas de su autor a mucha comunidades en este día, de entrevistas con antropólogos y con los mismos habitantes sobre tradiciones específicas de algunas ciudades, las cuales han sido capturadas a través de fotos a todo color.
Publication Date: 1999-06-01
UCF Curriculum Materials Center Resources
Beto and the Bone Dance by
A fantastic encounter on the Day of the Dead. Today is Beto's favorite holiday -- the Day of the Dead. First, he and his father craft an altar at home in honor of Beto's recently departed grandmother, filled with the things she loved in life. Later, it's off to the cemetery, where at midnight all the dead souls will come to visit the living. It's a celebratory occasion, but Beto is distraught because he isn't able to find a perfect gift for Abuela's altar. The answer to his dilemma is found in a wild dream, in which Beto joins a conga line of dance-mad skeletons. Through her effulgent paintings and rhythmic text, the author conveys all the excitement of this unique Mexican fiesta, as well as a comforting message for children who have lost a loved one.
Publication Date: 2001-10-02
Day of the Dead Crafts by
Celebrated on November 1 and 2, Day of the Dead honors the memory of departed souls, welcoming them back to celebrate the best of life. Families decorate grave sites with marigolds and set up stunning altars. Streets flutter with paper banners. Store windows glisten with sugar skulls. Skeleton figures grin rakishly from every corner. Day of the Dead Crafts is filled with dozens of terrific projects that allow you to participate in the excitement of the holiday while expressing your own creativity. You'll enjoy showcasing these unique, fun, and meaningful projects throughout the year. Inside you'll find step-by-step instructions, ideas, and inspiration for a wide range of projects, including: Calaveras, those comical and clever skeleton figures caught in the act of enjoying life's favorite activities Masks and skulls made from paper mache, gourds, and even sugar A meaningful and artistic ofrenda, or altar, to honor those who have passed Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more to wear day or night Pieces guaranteed to liven up any decor Colorful, whimsical, and often dramatic, Day of the Dead art is steeped in rich history and symbolism. The projects in Day of the Dead Crafts honor the traditional, while taking advantage of today's materials for a fresh and exciting twist.
Publication Date: 2008-08-01
Days of the Dead by
Through the story of a single Mexican family, the customs & significance of the Days of the Dead are revealed.
Publication Date: 1994-10-30
Dia de los Muertos by
It's Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and children throughout the pueblo, or town, are getting ready to celebrate! They decorate with colored streamers, calaveras, or sugar skulls, and pan de muertos, or bread of the dead. There are altars draped in cloth and covered in marigolds and twinkling candles. Music fills the streets. Join the fun and festivities, learn about a different cultural tradition, and brush up on your Spanish vocabulary, as the town honors their dearly departed in a traditional, time-honored style. SPANISH DESCRIPTION #65533;Es el D#65533;a de los Muertos y todos los ni#65533;os del pueblo y ciudad est#65533;n listos para celebrar! Decoran con calaveras lo calavera de azucar, pan de muertos y banderas. Hay altares cubriertos de manta con muchas flores, y velas parpadiendo. Musica llena las calles. Hay que unirse con los festivales y abrender una diferente cultura y traduciones y repasar el vocabulario en espa#65533;ol, mientras el pueblo honra sus queridos en una traduci#65533;n con el transcurso y con el estilo del tiempo.
Publication Date: 2015-09-01
El Festival de las Calaveras by
Mexico's Day of the Dead fascinates U.S readers, whether for its joyful celebration of an unusual tradition or because it simply feels like home. San Vicente lets children join the celebration as they watch the skeletons rock, rattle, and roll those long old bones as they get ready for the biggest event of their social calendar. A short and fun essay, directed toward young readers, will explain this important Mexican holiday. The works of Mexico City artistLuis San Vicentehave been exhibited in Mexico, Venezuela, Europe, and the United States. He has won UNESCO's prestigious NOMA Encouragement Concours Prize for Illustration, and UNESCO honored his work (1997, 1998, and 1999) in their prestigious Youth and Children's Catalog of Illustrations.
Publication Date: 2002-09-01
Felipa and the Day of Dead by
Felipa's beloved grandmother, Abuelita, has died. Felipa misses her terribly and is very sad. Her parents try to comfort Felipa. They tell her that the souls of the dead live on forever. So Felipa decides to find Abuelita's soul. But where is it? She asks her grandmother's donkey, her pig, and her Ilamas for help. She treks many miles to the highest mountain, but grandmother's soul is nowhere to be found. Then, months later, the entire village is bustling with preparations for the Day of the Dead. Felipa joins in the celebrations honoring loved ones who have died, and in the process finally finds Abuelita's soul. Birte Muller's sweet story captures the essence of this special holiday, which is celebrated throughout Latin America and in parts of the United States. She celebrates the universal spirit of remembrance, where sorrow and loss are coupled with joy as people commemorate and commune with loved ones who have died.
Publication Date: 2004-08-01
Funny Bones by
A Sibert Award Winner, Pura Belpr#65533; (Illustrator) Honor Book, New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2015 and International Latino Book Award Finalist! Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaveras--skeletons performing various everyday or festive activities--came to be. They are the creation of Mexican artist Jos#65533; Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852-1913). In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he first drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons throughout much of his life, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico's D#65533;a de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. Juxtaposing his own art with that of Lupe's, author Duncan Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man whose art is beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity. The book includes an author's note, bibliography, glossary, and index.
Publication Date: 2015-08-25
Paper Crafts for Day of the Dead by
Do you want to make your own skeleton pet? Skeletons and skulls are very important to Day of the Dead. Follow storyteller Randel McGee as he explores Day of the Dead in PAPER CRAFTS FOR DAY OF THE DEAD. Learn to make a skull mask, paper marigolds, and even a skeleton candy basket.
Publication Date: 2008-02-01
The Spirit of Tio Fernando by
It's the Day of the Dead and Nando and his mother are going to honor T#65533;o Fernando. Nando, named for Uncle Fernando, listens as his mother tells him that later, at the cemetery, they will meet with T#65533;o Fernando's spirit. SPANISH DESCRIPTION Es el D#65533;a de los Muertos y Nando y su Madre van a honrar a T#65533;o Fernando. Nando, nombrado en honor de T#65533;o Fernando, escucha a su Madre decirle que mas adelante en el cementerio se van a encontrarse con el espirito de T#65533;o Fernando.
Publication Date: 1995-01-01
Un barrilete para el dia de los Muertos by
-- The touching story of a boy honoring the memory of his grandfather
Publication Date: 1999-11-09
Additional Online Resources
- National Geographic: Dia de los Muertos Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a two-day festival that takes place every November 1 and 2. Although most strongly identified with Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Latin America and everywhere with a Latino population.
- Smithsonian Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos 2D and 3D resources and immersive experiences! Join us…in celebrating and exploring Latino cultural heritage through this holiday for honoring the dead and the cycle of life and death. Learn different aspects of Día de los Muertos and how it is celebrated and practiced. Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a day of celebration for the people of Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Central America, and more recently for Mexican Americans. Rather than grieve over the loss of a beloved family or friend, they choose to commemorate the lives of the dearly departed and welcome the return of their spirits. The history of Day of the Dead is embedded with Pre-Hispanic and Spanish customs. These customs shaped the common elements of traditional Mexican Dia de los Muertos. Today, Day of the Dead has been increasingly popular with Latinos in the United States. Though many of the traditional elements have remained how and where Day of the Dead is celebrated has changed.
- Smithsonian Insider: 5 FACTS ABOUT DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS (THE DAY OF THE DEAD) What do sugar skulls, marigolds and monarch butterflies have in common? Just like pumpkins, witches and black cats are quintessential symbols of Halloween, these objects are associated with a different holiday: Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. With the help of the Smithsonian Latino Center, Smithsonian Insider has rounded up five things you should know about this holiday:
- NPR: Day Of The Dead, Decoded: A Joyful Celebration Of Life And Food Sugar skulls, tamales, and spirits (the alcoholic kind) — these are things you might find on homemade altars to entice those who've passed to the other side back for a visit. The altars, built in homes and around tombstones, are for Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, a tradition originating in central Mexico on Nov. 1 and 2. The Aztecs developed the ritual some 3,000 years ago because they believed one should not grieve the loss of a beloved ancestor who passed. Instead, the Aztecs celebrated their lives and welcomed the return of their spirits to the land of the living once a year. That's where the food, drink and music ofrendas, or offerings, come in.
