Day of the Dead

Every fall, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. Not long after, we get to celebrate one of the best-known holidays from Latin America, the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday/celebration to remember and honor the people who have passed away. On November 1, we think about the children who are no longer with us. Then, November 2 is for thinking about the grown-ups who have passed away. This holiday is filled with happiness and laughter because we get to remember our loved ones. It is a celebration of life. 

A well-known dance performed on Day of the Dead is called La Danza de los Viejitos (“The Dance of Little Old Men”). Another dance that is performed on the Day of the Dead is called La Danza de los Tecuanes (“The Dance of Jaguars”). This dance represents the farmers searching for and catching jaguars.

The symbols for the celebration are flowers, skulls and butterflies. The flower is called cempasuchil, which is a Mexican indigenous flower, and they are usually laid on graves. Monarch butterflies are used as the symbol for the Day of the Dead. Sugar skulls (calaveritas de azúcar) and toys are for children who died and are also laid on altars.

I think this holiday is important because it lets us remember our loved ones and connect us to our roots. I would love to experience the celebration of Day of the Dead in person and see all the dances.