The Mexican Holiday, Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is becoming more and more popular around the world. The Day of the Dead is typically celebrated on November 1 and 2, just after Halloween in the United States. Day of the Dead costumes and decorations can now be found in most stores mixed right in with Halloween costumes. So before the 2 holidays blur any further, let’s take a look at what the Day of the Dead celebration is all about.
Halloween vs. Day of the Dead
In the U.S, we are used to spooky graveyards, where unsettled spirits haunt anyone who comes near. But in most cultures, people celebrate the dead in a more positive light. In fact, even in the U.S. during Victorian times, most families spent their Sundays in cemeteries picnicking near the graves of their loved ones. That’s why so many cemeteries are designed with park-like surroundings.
The Day of the Dead is a positive celebration, a way to honor ancestors. Día de Muertos is hundreds of years old, with its origins most likely coming from Aztec ritual. It is believed that once a year, ancestors come back for 2 days to spend time with their families. To honor their presence, people decorate their ancestors’ graves, build beautiful altars in their honor and cook their favorite foods. Celebrations also include parties and parades. The Day of the Dead is a holiday that is colorful in every way!
How to Celebrate the Day of the Dead
Want to get into the spirit of the Day of the Dead and honor your ancestors? Here is how to get your Día de Muertos celebrations started:
1. Put Together a Colorful Day of the Dead Altar (Ofrenda)
In Mexico, people usually decorate family gravesites and often create an altar, or ofrenda, in their homes to honor their ancestors. Altars like the one in the photo above can be elaborate works of art or simple and very personal. Start by finding a location in your home for your altar, such as a corner table, desk or fireplace mantle. Add a colorful tablecloth or table runner. Next, add photos of the person or people you want to honor. To get into the Mexican Spirit, you may want to place your photos in beautifully crafted tile frames like these. Then place personal items that were owned by your relatives in their lifetime on the altar. Or use items that make you think of your family members.
Next, place Day of the Dead decorations like marigolds, skull figures and paper banners on your altar. We will discuss how to make these items or where to buy them below. Some people also add their ancestors’ favorite foods and drinks to their altar to encourage their spirits to stay near. And finally, candles and incense make great additions to your altar.
If you have more time to be crafty, check out the directions for making this Day of the Dead Carved Pumpkin Altar at Michael’s. The altar is made out of the fake carvable pumpkins, so you can use the altar year after year. Or if you enjoy getting a bit messy with pumpkin guts and/or paint, you can use real pumpkins and create a perishable masterpiece.
2. Decorate with Paper Banners (Papel Picado)
Papel Picado, or specially cut Mexican paper banners, are a festive way to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Traditionally Papel Picado are intricately created by Mexican artists. With a little bit of practice, simple paper banners are easy to make. You can also find free printables such as this one from LiveColorful.com. Make sure to have bright colored paper on hand or markers to color in the designs.
Want to purchase Papel Picado for your altar or Day of the Dead party? Affordable paper or plastic banners are available on Amazon.com in a variety of sizes and colors.
3. Celebrate with Marigolds (Cempasúchiles)
Look how gorgeous this fountain looks decked out in orange Marigold flowers and petals. Marigolds, or Cempasúchiles, are the main flower used in decorating for Day of the Dead. You can grow your own to add to your altar, though beware, Marigolds have a very strong odor if you are using them indoors. Many people also use paper Marigolds. You can purchase paper Marigolds in orange and yellow from a party supplier.
Paper Marigolds are also really easy to make. We like the directions on this tutorial from Tinkerlab.com.
4. Decorate with Sugar Skulls (Calaveras)
Sugar Skulls, known as calaveras in Spanish, have become an essential part of Day of the Dead celebrations. Decorated skulls, literally made out of pressed sugar, are placed on altars to represent the ancestors being honored. Of course, you can now find Day of the Dead skulls made in all sorts of materials which are fun to collect. Check out these Sugar Skulls to get your collection started.
If you are interested to making real sugar skulls, we suggest using the directions and sugar molds from MexicanSugarSkulls.com.
We also love this do-it-yourself sugar skull painting kit, which makes a great gift.
5. Dress to Impress (Disfraces)
Day of the Dead is your opportunity to dress up in stylish skeleton costumes, or disfraces. Check out these great costumes for men and women at Amazon.com. Many qualify for 2-Day Shipping with your Amazon Prime membership. And don’t forget to pick up a Day of the Dead makeup kit.
If you know how to sew, Simplicity offers a beautiful sewing pattern for DIY Women’s Day of the Dead costumes.
6. Host a Traditional Day of the Dead Party Instead of a Halloween Party (Día de la fiesta de muertos)
Hosting a Day of the Dead party, known as Día de la fiesta de muertos in Spanish, is both fun and educational for your guests. You can find lots of fun Day of the Dead party supplies at your favorite retailer or make your own.
Encourage your guests to come dressed as Day of the Dead skeletons. Ask guests to bring photos and favorite mementos to honor their ancestors. Create a community Day of the Dead altar and ask guests to add their mementos to it. Ask your guests to share stories about the relatives they are honoring. Explain the traditions on the Day of the Dead and encourage guests to take part in activities such as painting or carving sugar skulls on pumpkins, face painting and making paper marigolds. Serve popular Day of the Dead treats and drinks. Here are some great recipes to get you started.
More than anything, surround yourself with colors and enjoy this very festive holiday in a way your ancestors would appreciate!