DíA DE MUERTOS
November 1-2

Today, in Mexico and many cities in the US, 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 US you might also hear the day celebrated 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 literally 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.

 

We, at SOMOS, refer to the original Día de muertos and highlight traditional origins that trace back about 3.000 years and have evolved over the centuries to what we celebrate today. Scholars have found evidence of month long festivals dedicated to the Aztec goddess Mictecacihuatl. Indigenous traditions continued and mixed with Catholic elements in the 20th century. It is now associated with the holiday known as All Saints Day, November 1 and All Souls Day, November 2-not Halloween! 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.