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Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday on which deceased family members are honored with a visit to the cemetery. The Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 2nd of each year, although the observance often begins on October 31st or November 1st. The festivities include brightly colored skeleton decorations and special food. Although originally a Mexican holiday, its observance has spread to other countries.

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What events does not occur in February?

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What event does not occur in February

Do Mexicans make altars to honor the dead?

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Yes, Mexicans make altars to honor the dead as part of the tradition of Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). These altars, known as ofrendas, are decorated with photographs, candles, flowers, food, and other offerings to remember and celebrate their deceased loved ones. It is a way to maintain a connection with the departed and to show respect and reverence for their memory.

When is Dia De Los Muertos celebrated?

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the Dia De Los Muertos starts on the 31st of October and ends o the 2nd of November the main day is the 2nd of November.

How do you make a ofrenda?

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Ofendas are an essential part of the Day of the Dead celebrations. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called altares or altars, but they are not for worshiping. Some people mistakenly think that Mexicans that set up altars for their defunct relatives are actually worshiping them. Nothing further from the truth. The vast majority of Mexicans are Christian Catholics, so they only worship God.

Ofrendas are set up to remember and honor the memory of their ancestors. Before setting an altar, they thoroughly clean their house. We must remember they are going to have very important "visitors".

The ofrenda is set on a table, covered with a fine tablecloth, preferably white. Then the papel picado, cut tissue paper, is set over the cloth.

Several levels can be set on the ofrendas. Generally on the top level the images of Saints and the Crucifix are set.

For each deceased relative a candle is set. Their light is thought to guide them on their way back. The light of the candles, also called ceras -waxes- symbolize Jesus Christ Reborn and faith.

Flowers, specially Cempasuchitl , adorn the ofrenda.

Flowers represent the fugacity of life.

Salt and water are also essential; they are set to quench the thirst of the souls, tired from their long trip. Water also purifies and cleanses.

Incense, Copal, is burned and thought to elevate prayers to God.

Pictures of the defunct are placed on the ofrenda, as well as some of their favorite clothing, perhaps a hat or a shawl. For the children they place small toys.

Food is specially prepared for the souls. Their preferred dishes are cooked for them and placed on the altar: mole, tamales, fruits, arroz rojo -red rice-, hot chocolate and dried fruit. Some times cigarettes or liquor if the dead relative enjoyed them when alive. And of course Pan de Muerto.

It is important to mention that they will not eat the food, they only enjoy the aroma.

Sometimes a cross is made with petals of thecempasuchitl flower. Also with the petals, paths are set to guide the souls to the ofrenda.

Sugar skulls and clacas -skeletons are also included.

In many towns, there are contests of ofrendas. Judges go house by house and elect the three most beautiful altars.Ofrendas are works of art, ephemeral art that is!

What is the meaning of the day of the dead?

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Represents skulls of the dead people

Is day important?

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It is important to tell the people you love how much you appreciate them while they are still able to hear you.

When does the day of the dead take place?

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October 28, 2007 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

What hoilday in Mexico has picnickers munching chocolate coffins and sugar skulls?

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Mexican Day of the Dead (November 1 and 2) qualifies as the holiday when people buy and eat chocolate coffins and sugar skulls.

How Does Guatemala celebrate day of the dead?

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Day of the Dead in Belize http://www.belizeadventure.ca/the-day-of-the-dead/

On the Day of the Dead, Maya and Mestizo communities across Belize unanimously get together to commemorate the life and death of their ancestors. This is done by decorating small tables as alters at home and including water, flowers, fruits, candles and portraits of their deceased. Families also make sure to have delicious traditional Belizean foods such as tamales, Bollos, Caldo de Gallina local, Chirmole and Ishpasha Atole. As for favorite alcoholic drinks, rum and tequila seem to be the popular choices.

On All Souls Day, the Catholic Church holds a mass where everyone goes to pray for their beloved ones who have passed away. Following the mass, a street procession takes place which leads to the local cemetery. Individuals carry with them wreaths, candles and food, which are later placed on the graves. The tombs are not only adorned but the family members pray and thank their dead relatives for being a part of their lives and wish them the best in the afterlife. Also common is the sharing of good memories and fun stories.

How do people in Mixquic Mexico celebrate day of the dead?

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they make the people that had past favorite foods, put flowers on the tumstone, and dress up as sulks

Who in Mexico decided to celebrate the day of the dead?

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It has been a celebration held in Mexico for thousands of years; when the Spanish conquered Mexico in the 16th century, they made a mix of Catholic and native beliefs, thus creating the Day of the Dead. This is known as cultural syncretism.

Why does Mexico celebrate day of the dead?

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Traditionally, los angelitos (deceased children) return to their families from 3pm on Oct 31 until 3pm on Nov 1st. They are remembers and altars are set for them with toys, candies, and treats. Other deceased ancestors are believed to return to their families on Nov 1st. In rural Mexico, traditional vigils are held overnight in the cemetary and at dawn, the participants celebrate a Catholic Mass.

What is the difference of Dia de los Muertos and Halloween?

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Halloween is celebrated with sadness. Dia de los muertos is celebrated with joy and happiness.

Does Spain celebrate El dia de los muertos?

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Yes, Spain does celebrate this day. It translates to "the day of the dead." It is commonly called 'All Souls Day' in English.

What is the cultural significance of Day of the Dead Celebration in Mexico?

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People build shrines or altars to their deceased loved ones, offering them gifts. The gifts are things such as sugar skulls, marigolds, and other things that the loved one treasured. Many people choose to visit the graves of their loved ones during El Día de los Muertos. A lot of time, parties are thrown in honor of the dead and food is prepared. The idea is to honor the dead and celebrate them. See Wikipedia the Wikipedia page in the related links below to get more information.

How does Argentina celebrate Day of the Dead?

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Day of the Dead is not celebrated in Argentina as it is in other countries such as Spain, Portugal or Mexico. It is a religious holiday (November 2), but only the most devout families visit their relatives and clean up their tombstones, changing flowers and the like. Being a holiday, some eat with their relatives, but that's pretty much it.

Who are your asestors?

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Your ancestors are all of the people from whom you are "descended" : your parents, their parents, their parents' parents, and so forth back through the generations.

Because each person has two biological parents, the number of people in your immediate lineage is VERY large : you have 1024 great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandparents, going back ten generations or about 250 years.

The collection of your ancestors, their siblings, spouses, and offspring, is called your "family tree".

What do Mexican regions have in common while celebrating the day of the dead?

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The day of the dead, or dios de los muertos is celebrated by most Mexican regions. They all share a common respect for those who have died.

What is RIP in dead people?

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Rest In Peace, RIP.

What are the aims of the day of the dead?

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It is a Spanish holiday in which they honor their deceased relatives. It is NOT Halloween.