The Day of the Dead is a Hispanic holiday where families honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. Each year, families will participate in festivities on November 1st and 2nd. Those two days of festivities might include eating lots of food, drinking, or traditional celebrations. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated in many different countries or families of hispanic descent.
On the actual Day of the Dead, the Hispanic culture believes that the barrier between the real world and the spirit world, where the deceased are, is gone for the day. The dead travel through the barrier to come into the living world to celebrate with food and activities. On the other hand, the living celebrate with the dead by eating some of the finest and well-liked foods at the gravesite of a loved one or an Ofrenda (home altar with candles, pictures, and objects) in the home.
For the Hispanic holiday, many decorate their homes and communities with skeletons and skulls because of their correlation of celebrating the dead. A tradition that is seen through this time of remembrance and joy is candles that are used by the living to light the way home for the dead who are traveling back to the living (on Earth). In addition to candles being used, the Mexican Marigolds are also used as a pathway to an Ofrenda in the home of the living for the deceased family who are traveling back. Another ritual that is seen throughout the holiday is meeting with loved ones from all over to share family stories, memories, and pray together.
During this time of celebration, individuals will wear either make-up that represents a skull mask, honoring the dead. You will see the skulls and skeletons being used as candies, actual masks that are worn, or even dolls and toys.
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