DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS – DAY OF THE DEAD
On the 31st of October we celebrate Halloween, a festive that is celebrated in the whole world. But in some Spanish speaking countries, like Mexico, on the 31st starts the celebration of “Día de los Muertos”. While Halloween is a night of terror and mischief, Day of the Dead is a celebration of life, a demonstration of love and respect for deceased family members.
Origins
Day of the Dead is a holiday with its origins in Mexico, although it is celebrated also in other Latin America countries with colourful calaveras (skulls). It origins go back several thousand years. Aztec, Toltec and Nahua people considered mourning the dead disrespectful. These cultures considered death as a natural, cyclic process of life. When a person died, they still remained alive in their memory and spirit, and during Día de los Muertos their spirits temporarily returned to the world of the living to be with their loved ones. Nowadays, the celebration of Day of the Dead is a mixed celebration of Catholic feasts and pre-Hispanic religious rites.
Day of the Dead traditions
During these days (from 31st October to 2nd November) families visit graves of their deceased family members and they spend the whole night on the cemetery with their families and friends. They also make ofrendas, altars, not to worship them, but to welcome in their homes the spirits. These altars are full of food, family photos, candles, etc.
During the holiday people dress up, but with difference to Halloween, the costumes for Day of the Dead are joyful and based on the idea that the spirits have come back and are very welcomed since they haven’t been seen in a year.
Traditions change
Nowadays Día de los Muertos continues to change since it’s been mixed up with other Christianity traditions and holidays as Halloween. That’s why it’s very common to see also Halloween costumes being sold next to calaveras de azucar (sugar skulls) and pan de los muertos. Also costume contests are being held along with altar costumes, and also some children dress up and go treat-or-tricking.
Here’s a short video about Dia de los muertos, take a look.
P.D. if you are a Spanish teacher, you can use it to make an interesting lesson plan with this special holiday.
If you want to learn more about Spanish traditions and culture, some learning tips check out our blog here.
¡Nos leemos pronto!
Yours, The Spanish Pro
