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1. Pre-Hispanic Origin: The Day of the Dead has its roots in ancient indigenous civilizations of Mexico, such as the Aztecs and the Mayans, who celebrated rituals to honor the deceased.
2. Specific Dates: The celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd. November 1st is dedicated to deceased children (Day of the Innocents), and November 2nd to deceased adults.
3. Altar Offerings: Families create altars called “ofrendas” in their homes, decorated with flowers (especially marigolds), candles, food, photographs, and items that belonged to the deceased.
4. Bread of the Dead: During this festival, a special bread called “pan de muerto” is consumed, which is shaped like a skull or bones and decorated with powdered sugar.
5. Cemetery: Families also visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their departed loved ones and spend time with them.
6. Sugar Skulls: Sugar skulls are sweet and colorful crafts used to decorate the altars and are often personalized with the names of the deceased.
7. Monarch Butterflies: It is believed that monarch butterflies are the spirits of the deceased returning during this time, and their arrival is associated with the celebration of the Day of the Dead.
8. Parties and Parades: Many cities in Mexico organize colorful parades and festivals during this time, with people dressed as skeletons and other death-related characters.
9. Symbolism of Water: Water is placed in the offerings to quench the thirst of the returning souls and to purify their way back to the world of the dead.
10. UNESCO Heritage: In 2008, UNESCO declared the Day of the Dead as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural significance and meaning in Mexican society.
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