There is a Mexican tradition known as Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead in English. This tradition comes from the prehispanic heritage of this country and it is still preserved today. Day of the Dead takes place on November 2nd every year. During this holiday kids don’t go to school and many mexican families visit their relatives tombstones at the cemetery. It is also a custom to build an altar known as Altar de Muertos in which they honor those who have passed away and get together as family to share some Pan de Muerto.
What is an Altar de Muertos or Ofrenda?
The Day of the Dead holiday we know combines rituals from the Aztec civilization from central Mexico and the Catholic rituals introduced by the Spanish. It is said that during November 1st and 2nd spirits return to spend time with their families who prepare an ofrenda for them, an Ofrenda is a collection of various items displayed on levels. It is usually set on a table covered by a tablecloth and colorful cut tissue paper or Papel Picado to decorate.
These altars or ofrendas are set on the eve of this holiday. They’re meant to show the souls or animas their way home, so that they feel welcomed and that they haven’t been forgotten.
Day of the Dead altars for the children are white and are set before November 1st. In this type of ofrenda we can see a lot of candies, toys and fruit.
Several leves are set on the ofrendas, most of the time they symbolize: heaven, purgatory and Earth.
What elements are found in an Ofrenda?
- A photo: Place a photo of the person to whom the altar is dedicated. You can also dedicate it to more than one person.
- Cempasúchil flowers: These Mexican marigolds are the Day of the Dead flowers, they represent the impermanence of life. You can place them in a vase or pull the petals and make a cross with them, you can even just spread them all over the altar.
- Veladoras: These are candles that represent faith and hope. The number of candles can be related to the number of souls honored. In some regions four candles are displayed in a cross formation to symbolize the four cardinal points aiming to show the spirits their way.
- Water: A glass of water is said to calm the souls’ thirst after their long journey.
- Salt: A small plate with salt is placed representing purity.
- Religious element such as saint images and crucifixes are placed on the top of the altar and blend in the Catholic traditions of this holiday.
- Food and Mexican candies: Dishes like tamales and mole are specially prepared for the souls, also Pan de Muerto and hot chocolate. Traditional candies like: pepitorias, camote, jamoncillo and alfajor are said to treat the souls.
- Personal objects of the honored souls are placed, for example; a hat, clothes or any accesories. This is meant to make them feel home.
- Candy skulls or Calaveritas de Dulce represent Death itself.
- Papel Picado: colored cut tissue paper with various figures depicting Death as an elegant woman, La Catrina, is used to decorate the altar.
- An arch: made with long sugar cane stalls and covered with Cempasuchitl flowers, this represent the entrance to the world of the dead.
- A Xoloitzcuintle Dog: This clay dog is set in the altar to accompany the souls on the journey.
What is Pan de Muerto?
Pan de Muerto, Dead Bread, is eaten during the previous days or even on Day of the Dead. It is a round soft bread covered with sugar and decorated with bone shaped pieces of bread on top of it.
Nowadays there is a huge variety of flavors in which this delicious treat can be made. For example there is chocolate, Dulce de Leche, cream cheese, raspberry and even famous cookie or candy brands.
Day of the Dead Vocabulary in Spanish
Check out this chart with Day of the Dead Vocabulary. On the first column you will find the words in Spanish and on the second column the English translation.
| Spanish | English |
| Flor de Cempasúchil | Mexican Marigold |
| Papel Picado | Cut Tissue Paper |
| Pan de Muerto | Traditional Bread |
| Altar / Ofrenda | Altar |
| Chocolate Caliente | Hot Chocolate / Cocoa |
| Veladora | Candle |
| Catrina | Traditional Character |
| Calaverita de Dulce | Sugar Skull |
| Calaverita Literaria | Funny Poem |
Videos Day of the Dead in Spanish
Now watch these videos that we have made for you. Try to imitate the sounds to practice your pronunciation.
Share this post with your friends, classmates, students or anyone who you think might be interested.
Check out these other posts: