What is Day of the Dead?
Q: What is Day of the Dead?
A: Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated in Mexico known around the world by the skull painting face. It is celebrated by people of Mexico living in other places, especially the United States. Family and friends gather for this multi-day holiday to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died while creating an Ofrenda.
Q: What does UNESCO recognize about Day of the Dead?
A: In 2008, UNESCO inscribed Day of the Dead into its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Q: Where does Day of the Dead originate from?
A: The origin of Day of the Dead comes from a mix culture, with Aztec and Christian being its main influences.
Q: How do people celebrate Day of the Dead?
A: People celebrate it by creating an Ofrenda on a altar at home or on a grave, as well as painting their faces into skulls (calaveras), decorating with sugar skulls, orange flowers and candles. They also prepare traditional food such as breads or pan de muertos in honor those who have passed away.
Q: When is Day of the Dead held every year?
A: The Day of the Dead is held every year on November 2nd in Mexico.
Q: Is everyone welcomed to join in on this celebration?
A Yes, everyone is welcomed to join in on this celebration; nearly everyone in Mexico celebrates it each year.
Q: What do people believe happens during this holiday?
A People believe that during this holiday, spirits visit their families from October 31st (Halloween) until November 2nd when they then leave again
