During October, many celebrate Halloween, but just around the corner from Halloween is Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead is a traditional Hispanic holiday that celebrates the ones who have passed. Day of the dead is celebrated on November first and November second. 

Dia de los Muertos, the Spanish translation of Day of the Dead, originated in Mexico, which was founded by the ancient Aztecs. This was originally the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls’ Day, a holiday Spanish invaders brought to Mexico in the 1500’s. This holiday originated many years before the Spanish conquistadors invaded and infused it with Catholicism to create Dia de los Muertos, as we know today. As the Aztecs celebrated this holiday, many used skulls to honor the dead a millennium before Day of the Dead customs emerged. 

Additionally, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated over two days. These are the first two days of November. The first day, November 1st, is called “Dia de los Angelitos” or “Day of Little Angels.” This is to honor the children that have passed away. On the second day, November 2nd, is the day to celebrate the adults who have passed. 

Along with that, to honor the ones who have passed, there are several things that are done. During the holiday, people decorate Ofrendas. Ofrendas are altars that are made to remember the ones who have passed. There are several different things used on Ofrendas to help guide the spirits of loved ones back to earth. 

In Mrs. Benner’s Spanish 3 class, students have been decorating Ofrendas to honor famous people who have passed. These altars are set up all around her room. In addition, you can make Papel Picado and bake bread. It is a tradition to bake bread of the dead. You can also have a feast, which helps guide the spirits back to earth. It is good for the spirits to refuel from their long journey back to earth. Along with that, people tend to dress up in traditional Day of the Dead costumes. Finally, you can decorate and visit your loved ones’ graves.