The celebrations for El día de los muertos – the Day of the Dead – are some of the most iconic in Mexico, and are recognised around the world for their fascinating costumes and vibrant colours. The tradition dates back thousands of years to Aztec, Toltec and other Nahual communities, and over time has fused with Catholic rituals. Today, events take place on the 1st and 2nd of November, All Saints and All Souls day. It is an important celebration of remembrance honouring family members and friends who have passed away. Instead of a solemn affair, El día de los muertos is intended to be a joyous occasion, celebrating the lives and memories of loved ones.

 

Traditions

As you would imagine with a celebration of this scale, there are lots of exciting traditions associated with El día de los muertos. Here are some of those most notable, intertwined with some interesting videos.

 

Calaveras

Perhaps the most famous icon of the celebration is the calavera, or skull. The tradition of skull designs dates back to pre-hispanic times, is a prominent feature in pre-Columbian art and has long associations with El día de los muertos. Today it is particularly common to see calaveras made from sugar and given as gifts or left as offerings for loved ones who have passed away. They are frequently used as decorations at family altars, or ofrendas (see below).

 

Calavera Catrina & Costumes

In 1910 (or so it is thought) caricaturist José Guadalupe Posada drew a symbolic cartoon of a calavera dressed in elegant French style clothing, meant as a political commentary on the upper classes. Later, in 1947 muralist Diego Rivera added the figure to one of his most famous works of art and the character, by then know as La Catrina, was catapulted to fame. This female skeleton figure is now one of the most famous symbols of El día de los muertos, and dressing up as La Catrina is one of the most popular costume choices for the celebrations.

 

Calaveras literarias

Steeped in dark humour, calaveras literarias are a staple of El día de los muertos. They consist of writing joke epitaphs for people who are actually still alive. Today they are often written about famous people or politicians and many are published in newspapers.

 

Ofrendas

Ofrendas are another important feature of El día de los muertos celebrations. In homes across Mexico, colourful, ornate altars (ofrendas) are created in memory of loved ones. Ofrendas are decorated with photos of the deceased family member, as well as their favourite food and drinks, candles, calaveras, and traditional marigold flowers.

 

Marigolds

Mexican marigold flowers, known as cempasuchitl, are a must during El día de los muertos. With their bright orange and yellow tones and potent scent, the flowers are used to guide the spirits of deceased family members back home to their families and to their altar. Marigolds are also used to decorate houses in general during the celebrations, and are often made from paper too.

 

Pan de muertos

No día de los muertos celebration is complete without at least a delicious treat or two, with Pan de Muertos usually being one of the most popular. This traditional bread is baked around the country in the run up to the 1st and 2nd of November. It is a sweet bread, decorated with bone shapes on top. It is usually placed at altars, and often enjoyed by family members visiting graves. The bread is meant to be absorbed by the spirits to give them energy after their journey back to earth.

(start from 1 minute)

 

Useful Language

Here are some handy pieces of vocabulary to help you with reading, listening and speaking activities about El día de los muertos.

 

El papel picado – the decorative paper used in bunting

Una guirnalda – a wreath

La comparsa – the parades (usually of dancers) that take place during the celebrations

Celebrar / Festejar – to celebrate

Fallecer – to pass away

Los fallecidos – the deceased

Los difuntos – the deceased

Recordar – to remember

Los seres queridos – the loved ones

La tumba – the tomb, grave

Las calacas – the skeletons