The Day of the Dead, which is also known as El Día de los Muertos or All Souls' Day, occurs on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 (All Souls Day).
During the holiday, people pray for, honor, and remember friends and family members that have died. It is primarily celebrated in Mexico and by Latin Americans in the US and Canada. Here in the Bay Area, families build beautiful altars, and celebrations take place at local museums and cultural centers. And of course, panaderias are filled with delicious treats, sugar skulls, candied pumpkin, and other baked goods that celebrate the holiday.
Source: Flickr User sfmission.com
Mishumo
Yes, we observe All Saints Day and bring candles to the graves.
1I can't really say that I celebrate El Día de los Muertos, even though I do celebrate All Souls and All Saints, because I live in Austria. These two days, November 1st (All Saints Day) and November 2nd (All Souls Day), are actually celebrated by Catholics all over the world, though not in the same fashion as El Día de los Muertos (which is too bad, because it looks like its a lot more fun).
2In Austria for example, it is very somber. We go to the graveyards, and light candles at the graves of the departed and we don't get any cool sweets. I wish we did because the sugar skulls I've seen in pictures always look so interesting. We do, however, get a day off, if it November 1st lands during the work week:)
When I lived in Ecuador, my mom & I would go to the cemetery to visit the members of our family who'd passed away. It was actually called "Día de los Difuntos"
3In our household we have always honored those who have passed on these days.
4We sometimes host Ghost Suppers, feasting all our loved ones that have passed on. It is a great way to remember them with food, and stories. In my family we also do feasts for our loved ones on special days.
5sounds creepy
6Ummm Casa? It's also one of the biggest holidays of the year here in France called "La fête de Toussaint" and we have a week of holidays for it. Toussaint also observed in French parts of Canada. It's not only a Spanish holiday.
7It's not creepy to celebrate the passing of life...it's honourable!
I'm sad you can't see the
cultural importance of celebrating the lives that have come before us, Anonymous!
8Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.