Take notes as you read the reading below as it will help you on the quiz.
Day of the dead
The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a
festive celebration in honor of loved ones who have died. It is
celebrated over two days: November 1 and 2. For this holiday, people
make altars in memory of family members. They decorate the altars with
art, food, photographs, candles, and flowers. The gifts placed on the
altar are called an ofrenda, or offering. These altars may be in the
family’s home or at a grave site. During this holiday, it is common for
families to spend the evening at the cemetery.
There are a few important symbols you will see in
Day of the Dead celebrations. Marigolds known as flor de muertos, are a
symbol of death. This flower is used to decorate altars and graves.
Brightly colored papel picado is another popular decoration for Day of
the Dead. This intricately cut tissue paper art often features humorous
skulls and skeletons. Figures of skulls and skeletons, known as
calacas, are usually cheerful. They show a happy afterlife. Decorative
skulls made from sugar cane are given as gifts to the living or placed
on altars and graves to honor ancestors.
On the Day of the Dead, families put out food for
the souls of dead relatives. Common items include fresh fruit, a
special bread called pan de muerto, and deceased relatives’ favorite
foods.