Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) When and Where? People all over the world celebrate Día de los Muertos, or "Day of the Dead." People in Mexico have celebrated holidays like this one for thousands of years. All over the United States, people hold parades and celebrations. These usually take place around November 1 and 2. Is It Halloween? Día de los Muertos might seem like Halloween. The two holidays are different, though. Halloween is often about scaring people. Día de los Muertos is a time of joy. People remember and celebrate loved ones who have died Lidia's Día de los Muertos. Lidia Terán-Cooper grew up in Mexico. Lidia and her family spent every Día de los Muertos at the cemetery. The family brought flowers and a picnic. They told stories about those who had died. Bands played special songs. Lidia and the other children danced and played all day. Día de los Muertos was always a happy day for Lidia. Lidia lives in the United States now. Lidia and her family walk in the parade in Tucson (TOO-sawn), Arizona, every year. Before the parade, Lidia makes masks. Children and adults paint the masks and wear them in the parade. Day of the Dead for Children. Some places have a parade for children. Children decorate cardboard wings to wear. They paint their faces and put on costumes.Altars. Día de los Muertos has many other traditions. Some people build altars in their homes. The altars are covered with cloth. The family puts up photos of the person who has died. They might add a favorite item or piece of clothing of the loved one. The family lights candles around the altars. They also make special bread. They might even leave a favorite drink. Flowers, skeleton toys, and dolls also decorate the altars. Sugar Skulls. Some people make sugar skulls. People decorate the sugar skulls with colorful frosting. Children love eating the sweet skulls. Art. Some artists make paintings for the holiday. The paintings show skeletons dancing and playing music. The art is a way to celebrate friends and family members who have died. Full of Life. Día de los Muertos helps people to feel better after losing someone they love. Marching in a parade or decorating altars can help them celebrate that special person. No other holiday is so full of life, costumes, masks, joy, memories, and love