Traditions

During the modern celebration of the holiday sweets are placed out  and eaten to balance the bitterness of death. Families construct ofrendas or altares de Muertos to welcome their loved ones back. On the first night children who have passed are celebrated. This is known as “Día de los Angelitos” the Day of The Little Angels. It is said they arrive the night before because they are eager to return and run ahead of the adults. Families will decorate the ofrendas with foods and drinks, games, toys, balloons, footballs, as well as the traditional Day of the Dead offerings for the deceased children. The next day is traditionally known as “Día de los Muertos” and celebrates the adults who have passed.

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Before we dive deeper into the traditions of Día de los Muertos, let’s familiarize ourselves with some Spanish vocabulary regarding the holiday! Below are a set of 21 vocabulary words. Click "start game" to match terms and definitions or switch the the learning more (bottom right corner once you have started a game) to get acquainted with the terminology. We have already used some of these words throughout the site: how many do you remember? 

Now that we have some new vocabulary learned, let's put it to use in exploring the traditions and different ways Día de los Muertos is celebrated.  Altares or ofrendas are essential parts of celebrating the holiday. Día de los Muertos altares (Day of The Dead alters) also known as ofrendas, are set up in the homes of families and in public spaces as places to welcome the souls of loved ones back to the land of the living. It is tradition to put the pictures of the deceased on the ofrenda along with their favorite foods and beverages, candles to help light their way, fragrant incense, marigolds, calaveras (skulls), and so much more! Families often prepare the altars weeks in advance because the many elements that make up and adorn the altars take time to construct. Below we have included a list of common ofrenda items and elements and their significance in celebrating Día de los Muertos.