Día de los Muertos, a holiday tradition that originated from the Aztecs nearly 3.000 years ago and has continued to be celebrated by various cultures around the world, sounds a lot more morbid than it really is. While death is viewed as something to fear in the American Halloween tradition, Día de los Muertos, celebrated around the same time (midnight on October 31st until November 2nd), views death as a joyous occasion by remembering loved ones when they were alive and what they meant to their families.
Here are some more facts about this beloved holiday:
Ofrendas/altares (altars):
Ofrendas are a key element of the Día de los Muertos celebrations. Ofrendas are decorated with pictures of loved ones and include a variety of symbols of the four elements such as water, candles, food (often the favorite kinds of the dead when they were alive), and paper banners which each play an important role in guiding the spirit on their journey home. Ofrendas can also be built outside of the home such as at cemeteries where families take the opportunity to clean up the gravesites or plant flowers in honor of those who have died. All loved ones are celebrated throughout the holiday where families share stories and play music to cherish the dead and keep their memories alive.
Calaveras (skulls):
Calaveras are an important symbol of Día de los Muertos which range from the calaveras de azúcar (“sugar skulls”) to jewelry. These amusing and colorful skulls adorn the altars for individuals who have passed on and are set up for the holiday. Recently, the calavera motif has developed into a highly artistic style of make-up design, combining stunning and elaborate face-paint with various flowers, beads and many other props.
To learn even more about Día de los Muertos- check out these picture books:
Day of the Dead: A Count and Find Primer by Greg Paprocki
A find and seek book about Día de los Muertos that's perfect for toddlers.
Miguel's Music by Liz Rivera
Miguel (Coco) helps his family learn to love music again.
¡Es la Hora de los Esqueletos! It's Skeleton Time! by Ana Galán
A bilingual book with inspiration from the traditional Costa Rican song, "Los Esqueletos."
La Catrina: Emotions=Emociones by Patty Rodríguez
A bilingual book just for little ones that introduces el Día de los Muertos through the emotions of La Catrina, a beloved calavera.
Un Barrilete para el Día de los Muertos/Pare el Día de los Muertos/A Kite for the Day of the Dead by Elisa Amado
A story about a young Quiché Indian who learns how to make a kite in celebration of his grandfather's life.
The Spirit of Tío Fernando: A Day of the Dead Story/El Espíritu de Tio Fernando: Una Historia del Dia de los Muertos by Janice Levy
A little boy remembers his uncle on el Día de los Muertos.
Gustavo: El Fantasmita Timido by Flavia Z. Drago
Gustavo is a little ghost that's afraid to make friends but maybe he'll find just the right amount of courage to try on el Día de los Muertos.
Also available in Wonderbook
Felipa y el Día de los Muertos written by Birte Müller and translated by Marianne Martens
Felipa misses her Abuelita but el Día de los Muertos is the perfect way to remember and celebrate her life.
El Día de Muertos by Ivar Da Coll
A rhyming book all about the celebrations of el Día de los Muertos.
-Iris/Cara
