| Keyword |
Description |
| Skeleton |
A figure that shows bones inside the body. At Day of the Dead, skeletons are decorated and dressed up to help remember loved ones in a fun way |
| Cempasúchil |
Bright marigold flower that guides spirits |
| Candle |
An object you light to help guide the spirits home and make altars look warm and welcoming during the celebration |
The Day of the Dead in Mexico is a special holiday where families remember and welcome back their loved ones who have passed away. Bright orange marigolds cover streets and homes, candles are lit, and families build altars called ofrendas. This isn’t a sad holiday; instead, it’s about celebrating happy times, sharing stories, and showing love. People believe that for a short time every year, the souls of those who died can return to visit. By making their favorite foods and decorating graves, families show that those who have passed will always be important to them.
This tradition has roots from over 3,000 years ago, starting with the Aztecs and other ancient cultures, who saw death as part of life, not the end. Later, the Spanish brought Christian beliefs, and the two traditions mixed to form the Day of the Dead we know today. The celebration happens at the beginning of November. November 1 is for remembering children, and November 2 is for adults. The ofrenda, or altar, is a main part of the celebration. Families put out items like salt, water, fruit, “pan de muerto” (sweet bread), and papel picado (colorful cut paper). Marigold flowers, called cempasúchil, are especially important because they are thought to guide the spirits home with their bright color and smell.
On Day of the Dead, cemeteries are full of music, food, and families decorating graves with flowers and candles. Skeletons, like the famous Catrina, appear everywhere, but they are smiling and dressed up to show that death isn’t scary. People eat special foods like pan de muerto and tamales. This holiday reminds everyone that love and memory never disappear. Families and friends come together, laugh, and remember that those we loved stay with us in our hearts.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Favorite |
Favorito |
| Stories |
Historias |
| Important |
Importante |
Time to discuss
- Why do people like remembering their loved ones with special traditions?
- How does Day of the Dead celebrate life and not just death?
- What would you put on an ofrenda for someone you care about?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Write about a day when your family remembers someone special.
- If you could invite anyone back for Day of the Dead, who would it be and why?
