Dia de los muertos

day of the dead: time to celebrate the death and life of departed friends and loved ones

two days spent in honor of the dead: first day celebrates infants and children who died; second day is in honor of adults who have passed on

bread of the dead: traditional sweet bread baked and eaten by families of the dead and also placed on the ofrenda altar

the tomb or grave site- cleaned up and decorated by the family members

offering altar set up in families' homes to honor, welcome and service the traveling spirits of their deceased family members during the day of the dead celebrations

flowers: marigolds and their petals are most commonly used to decorate the altars and the tombs

candles- placed on the altar to guide the souls to the altar

paper cut-out - technique of cutting out special designs in colorful tissue paper banners or flags that are then used to decorate ofrendas.

sugar skulls: traditional folk art of Mexico in which a sugar mixture is pressed into skull-shaped molds, dried, and then colorfully and attractively decorated

whimsical decorated skeleton figures- represent death and used as popular decoration for day of the dead altars, etc.

resin used as incense- placed on altar to help guide spirits home

hot Mexican drink made with cornstarch and used to nourish and warm the spirits when they return or leave

spicy chocolate sauce

altar

candles