Dia de los Muertos, the
Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated on November 1-2. Although recognized throughout Latin America, Dia de los Muertos is most strongly associated with
Mexico, as part of a culturally rich tradition.
Dia de los Muertos honors the dead with festivals and lively celebrations. Latin American customs combine indigenous Aztec ritual with Catholicism, brought to the region by Spanish conquistadores. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on All Saints Day and All Souls Day, minor holidays in the Catholic calendar.
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| Dia de los Muertos - San Antonio 2012 |
Contrary to popular belief, Dia de los Muertos is not a somber holiday. Dia de los Muertos celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. Dia de los Muertos recognizes death as a natural part of the human experience, a continuum with birth, childhood, and growing up to become a contributing member of the community. On Dia de los Muertos, it is believed the dead are also a part of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share in the celebrations with their loved ones.
The most familiar symbol of Dia de los Muertos may be the calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls),
which appear everywhere during the holiday: in parade masks, dolls, and even as
candied sweets. Calacas and calaveras are almost always
portrayed as enjoying life, often including beautiful attire giving the sense they are
in celebration. 
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