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Latina/o/x Studies

Celebrando Latina/o/x heritage

Google Day of the Dead 2019 artwork depicting the finely dress skeletal woman La Calavera Catrina with her signature hat with feathers and flowers

 

What is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a national holiday in Mexico and is observed in Latinx communities throughout the United States on November 1-2. Many Mexicans believe that the spirits of the dead return to enjoy a visit with their friends and relatives on this day. Long before sunrise, people stream into the cemeteries loaded with candles, flowers, and food that is often shaped and decorated to resemble the symbol of death.

In many homes people set up ofrendas, or altars, to the departed. These are decked with lighted candles, special food, and whatever the dead enjoyed when they were alive.

Text Source: Holidays around the world. (2017). ProQuest Ebook Central