Dia de los Muertos/ Day of the dead

• WHY IS IT CELEBRATED? It is an example of the harmonious relationship between Christianity and the pre Hispanic traditions found in the state of Oaxaca.



• WHAT IS THE HISTORY/ORIGINS OF THIS HOLIDAY? The Day of the Dead is traced back to the indigenous people such as the Olmec, Zapotec, Mixtec, Mexican, Aztec, Maya, P'urhepecha, and Totonac.



• WHEN DOES IT OCCUR? It occurs every year on November 2nd.



• WHERE ARE THE FESTIVITIES HELD? The festivities are held at cemetery's and at homes.



• WHAT DO THE ALTARS LOOK LIKE? Is a table with sugar skulls,marigolds, candles pictures, and the favorite food and beverages of the departed.



• WHAT ARE COMPARSAS? It is a performance representing the return of the dead.



• WHAT DO PEOPLE DO ON THE DAY OF THE DEAD? Families and friends gather up and pray and remember friends and relatives who have died.



• OTHER INTERESTING FACTS? The Meso-American culture believes that souls of the people will return that day to be with the living.