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    • Why is Day of the Dead celebrated? Significance of Dia de los Muertos
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    Why is Day of the Dead celebrated? Significance of Dia de los Muertos

    Harry Posted on

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    Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a day to remember and honor those who have died.

    Celebrated every year on November 1 and 2, the holiday is a joyful celebration that aims to celebrate the lives of the deceased and keep them alive with shared memories.

    The two-day celebration is filled with bright, colorful decorations, traditional foods and, most importantly, commemorations. Although the holiday originated in Mexico, it is also celebrated throughout Latin America and the United States.

    Here’s everything you need to know about the celebration.

    When is Day of the Dead celebrated?

    The Day of the Dead is a two-day celebration that will begin on Friday, November 1st and last until Saturday, November 2nd in 2024.

    according to Day of the Dead information siteThe holiday begins at midnight on November 1 with the welcoming of the souls of deceased children, a celebration known as Dia de los Angelitos, or Little Angels Day. The next day, officially known as Dia de los Muertos, is celebrated to honor deceased adults.

    Why is Day of the Dead celebrated? What do Day of the Dead celebrations look like?

    Day of the Dead is celebrated to honor the dead and keep their memories alive. The holiday serves as a chance to bridge the gap between the living and the dead by welcoming deceased loved ones.

    In Mexico, people celebrate by holding celebrations or dedications in their homes, churches, or cemeteries. Each program is unique and may include photos of the deceased as well as their favorite foods. Other items in the ofrenda may include flowers, candles, incense, and pan de muerto, a traditional sweet bread.

    It is also a tradition to visit the graves of the dead. During the visit, relatives will clean the graves of the deceased, decorate them with flowers and candles, and frequently offer food and drinks. Visits will be held on November 1 for deceased children and on November 2 for deceased adults.

    Although traditions vary from region to region, in most cases celebrations can last all night with music and dancing.

    What is the significance of marigolds on Dia de los Muertos?

    According to the Day of the Dead information website, marigolds, with their vibrant colors and strong scent, are believed to direct the souls of the deceased to the ofrendas. They are called “flor de muerto” or “flower of the dead”, symbolizing “the beauty and fragility of life”.

    Where is Day of the Dead celebrated?

    Although Day of the Dead originated in Mexico, the holiday is celebrated throughout Latin America and the world. According to the Day of the Dead information website, although traditions and customs may differ from country to country, the basic belief system of the holiday is the same.

    What is the history of Dia de los Muertos?

    The history of the Day of the Dead dates back hundreds of years to pre-colonial Mexico, where indigenous groups honored Mictecacihuatl, the Aztec goddess of death. Following the colonization of Mexico by Spain, the tradition blended with the Roman Catholic celebration of All Saints’ Day.

    Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her at @_leyvadiana on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

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