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slideshow: Dí­a de Los Muertos translated

Día de Los Muertos originated with the Aztecs, who observed a month long celebration in the summer presided over by the goddess of death, Mictecacihuatl (aka La Santa Muerte). Later, when Catholicism was instituted as Mexico's official religion, the celebration was merged with All Saints Day on Nov. 1.
La Catarina aka Catrinas: The Catarina, popularized by José Guadalupe Posada, is the skeleton of a high society woman and one of the most popular figures of the Día de los Muertos celebrations in Mexico.
Pan de muerto: Sweet bread in the shape of skulls, crosses and other images to place on Día de los Muertos altars for the dead.
La Máscara de la Calavera: The traditional half-skull, half-face mask has become a popular face-painting tradition in the U.S. as well as Mexico.
Ofrendas: At home or in the cemetery, family members honor their deceased with ofrendas, including photos, pan de muerto, favorite foods, flowers, toys and other symbolic items placed on the altar.
Alfeniques: Alfeniques are intricate, skull shaped sugar candies placed on altars during Day of the Dead celebrations.
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Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday celebrated in Mexico, the U.S. and some parts of Latin America, beginning on Oct. 31 and ending on Nov. 2.

3 comments

Jessica_Yañez

I always said that I would name my first son mictlan...I know what it means but I just liked it because it sounds cool..but then I don't think it would go over so well with my hubby's super religious family.

28 weeks 4 days ago
Tu_sabes

I've always wanted one of those skull figurines. I saw one of a doctor spanking a baby and can't rest until I find it. :(

29 weeks 13 hours ago
Tu_sabes

And when I first learned about Dia de Los Muertos I thought it was the weirdest thing I ever heard...eventually I got it and it's so interesting!

29 weeks 13 hours ago