The holiday of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) begins on the evening of October 31st. On that night, the small angelitos (spirit children) arrive, with the spirits of the adults following on the 1st of November. Family graves are decorated and altars created to honor the occupations and special preferences of the ancestors. On Nov. 2nd, a large family meal is shared with favorite foods and the spirits are bid a fond goodbye until the next year.
These activities mirror an ancient Aztec festival, which honored the Lady of the Dead - the Goddess Mictecacihuatl - during the summer corn harvest. It is now celebrated at the time of Samhain, Halloween and All Soul's Day in many parts of the world, including the U.S., Central America and Spain. Different areas have different traditions, for example, in Guatemala they create colorful kites that can be up to 60 feet in diameter, a practice that has its roots in Mayan culture. (see photo)
(© photo Multiturismo Moca)
In Her Name ~ Temple of Learning
