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Rochester Local

Día de los Muertos: Learn About this Special Mexican Holiday

dia de los muetos

Día de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead in English) is a holiday celebrated from October 31st – November 2nd. It originated and is celebrated in Mexico but is also celebrated elsewhere, especially by those with Mexican heritage.

Día de los Muertos is not a Mexican version of Halloween, though both holidays observe themes of death. Día de los Muertos involves family and friends gathering to remember those close to them who have departed.

This special holiday is extremely colorful, and life-affirming, and involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died. Celebrations are often humorous, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.

Traditions and symbols connected with Día de los Muertos include calaveras (skulls in various forms such as masks, food, and skulls made of sugar), the flowers of the marigold along with its petals called cempazúchitl, and ofrendas (altars) built to remember the departed.

Día de los Muertos does not just focus on the dead. It is common for gifts to be exchanged between friends and family. Sometimes mock epitaphs and light-hearted messages are shared amongst loved ones. These are known as calaveras literarias.

Depictions of Día de los Muertos can be seen in recent movies, Coco and The Book of LifeBoth movies are beautifully made and depict Día de los Muertos in a culturally relevant and appropriate way.

Print out and decorate the calavera below to help young kids learn about Día de los Muertos. While decorating, discuss happy memories of your departed family and friends. Click here for our Instagram post describing Día de los Muertos!

dia de los muertos

>>> DOWNLOAD CALAVERA SKULL MASK HERE <<<

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