MouradianR :)
dia del muerto, day of the dead
El dia del Muerto is a holiday observed throughout Mexico on November 1 and 2 which focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. In 2008 the tradition was inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars called ofrendas, honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.
Toys are brought for dead children (los angelitos, or "the little angels"), and bottles of tequila, mezcal or pulque or jars of atole for adults.
Families will also offer trinkets or the deceased's favorite candies on the grave. Some people believe the spirits of the dead eat the "spiritual essence" of the ofrendas food, so though the celebrators eat the food after the festivities, they believe it lacks nutritional value. Pillows and blankets are left out so the deceased can rest after their long journey. In some parts of Mexico such as the towns of Mixquic, Pátzcuaro and Janitzio, people spend all night beside the graves of their relatives. In many places people have picnics at the grave site, as well.
dia del muerto, day of the dead
El dia del Muerto is a holiday observed throughout Mexico on November 1 and 2 which focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. In 2008 the tradition was inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars called ofrendas, honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.
Toys are brought for dead children (los angelitos, or "the little angels"), and bottles of tequila, mezcal or pulque or jars of atole for adults.
Families will also offer trinkets or the deceased's favorite candies on the grave. Some people believe the spirits of the dead eat the "spiritual essence" of the ofrendas food, so though the celebrators eat the food after the festivities, they believe it lacks nutritional value. Pillows and blankets are left out so the deceased can rest after their long journey. In some parts of Mexico such as the towns of Mixquic, Pátzcuaro and Janitzio, people spend all night beside the graves of their relatives. In many places people have picnics at the grave site, as well.