Latin American Holidays

El Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead): When the Spaniards first arrived in Mexico more than 500 years ago, they encountered the native people (Aztecs) practicing a ritual that appeared to mock death. The native people had been practicing this ritual for over 3,000 years prior to the Spaniards arrival. At first, the Spaniards attempted to convert the natives to Catholicism and eradicate this ritual; however, they were unsuccessful. Instead, the ritual has been merged with Catholic theology, and it is now known as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Today, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in Mexico, Central America, and parts of the United States. In the Spaniards attempt to make the ritual more Catholic, they moved the date to November 1 and 2, which is when All Saints Day and All Souls Day are celebrated. Originally, the ritual was held during the ninth month of the Aztec calendar (August) and lasted throughout the whole month. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated differently depending on where one is celebrating it. Originally, the natives would keep skulls as trophies that would be displayed throughout the ritual. These skulls were used to honor the dead and to symbolize death and rebirth. The natives believed that life was a dream and they were truly awakened when they died. Although Dia de los Muertos is still celebrated to honor the dead, the rituals are strikingly different today. Skulls are still vital to the ritual, but they are wooden carved or sugar sculptured skulls. In addition, in rural Mexico, people visit the graves of loved ones they have lost, decorating the gravestone with candles and flowers. They cook the favorite food of the deceased and sit beside they gravestone and eat. In urban Mexico and the United States, families of deceased build altars in their homes that are dedicated to the dead. The altars are surrounded with flowers, pictures, and candles. They also cook the favorite food of the deceased and eat 1.
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