10 Things You May Not Know About Day of the Dead

Halloween is a big day in the U.S., but an even bigger event takes place this week in Mexico called Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos. Fiestas, parades, food, processions, etc. take place as Mexicans (and many Latin American countries) celebrate deceased loved ones from October 31st through November 2nd.

Day of the Dead is popularly known for people dressed up and painted like skeletons and dance, party, and eat their way through this holiday while celebrating loved ones and friends who have passed on. But there's more to it. Read on for things you might not know about Día de los Muertos...

Test Your Knowledge On Day of the Dead

1. The Skull lady is called La Catrina or La Calavera Catrina, and also 'Mexico's Grand Dame of Death.'

   She was originally created by Mexican illustrator, José Guadalupe Posada in the early 1900's to mock Mexican's who began dressing like Europeans during the pre-revolution era.

   La Catrina is one of the most iconic symbols of Day of the Dead, mimicked by many in celebrations or parades, but also in statues, candies and paintings.

2. Day of the Dead is Celebrated for two days, but three in some places.

   Halloween or 'Hallows Eve' sometimes marks the first day of celebrations, but most often November 1st & 2nd are the official days. The holiday began as celebrations lasting for months among the indigenous Mexican cultures. With Spanish influence and the adoption of Catholicism, the celebration now occurs concurrently with All Saints and All Souls Days.

3. The gates of Heaven open at midnight on October 31st.

   The belief is that the heavens open up at midnight on October 31st and allow the spirits of children to descend upon the earth to be with their families for 24 hours. That's why November 1st, All Saints Day, is also called "Día de los Angelitos" (Day of the Little Angels) or Day of the Children. On November 2nd, All Souls Day, adult spirits come to earth to enjoy the gifts and festivities.

4. Marigolds are the official flower.

   A tradition that has been passed on for thousands of years, the orange marigold is said to draw the dead person to the offerings.

5. The Skulls Symbolize the Circle of Life.

   In ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, skulls were preserved and displayed as symbols of the connection between life and death. The sugar skulls, or calaveritas, seen in markets during the Day of the Dead season, grew from this tradition and represent departed souls. They remind us of life's sweetness and are placed on altars (ofrendas) as offerings for loved ones who have passed or given to children as tokens of remembrance.

6. The holiday was originally called Día de Muertos.

   Along the way it was translated from English to Spanish and the 'los' was added, making it 'Día de LOS Muertos.'

7. It takes place in the cemetery!

   That's right, but it's not scary—at all. In the cemetery graves are decorated, gifts may be placed on them, music might be played and families pray and talk to their family members who have passed.

8. Offerings Include Pan de Muerto, The Bread of the Dead.

   Pan de Muerto, or "bread of the dead," is a traditional sweet bread baked during the season. Its round shape symbolizes the circle of life, the crossed "bones" on top represent the bones of the departed, and the small round knob at the center signifies the skull or heart of the deceased. The bread is lightly flavored with orange zest and anise, and usually dusted with sugar. Pan de Muerto is typically part of the offerings on the Day of the Dead altars.

9. You will find elaborately decorated alters (ofrendas) in homes and cemeteries.

   Altars are used to welcome back the spirits of the dead and encourage them to return. Candles, flowers—especially marigolds, sugar skulls, pan de muerto, fruit, gifts and the favorite food and drink of the family member(s) are placed on altars. For children, toys will be presented also.

10. Dia de los Muertos is Mexican culture on Steriods!

    Día de los Muertos is one of the biggest & most celebrated holidays in Mexico, and a National Holiday. It's celebrated in most cities and towns in Mexico, each with it's own regional quality.

So there you have it. Day of the Dead is a time to be happy and enjoy the memories and spirits of the those who have passed away. It is a happy time for all of Mexico!