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Jan 1, 1500
Origin of Day of the Dead
In the early 1500s, Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernando Cortéz, conquered the Aztec Empire, taking over the area we now know as Mexico. They immediately set about trying to convert the native population to Catholicism, for both religious and political reasons. The practices introduced by Spanish missionaries were All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, these took place on November 1 and 2. -
Nov 1, 1500
1 Nov. 1500 Origin of Day of the Dead
To study the origins of Day of the Dead you have to step back in time 4000 years. Before the Spanish invaded, many indigenous cultures rose and fell in the land of what is now known as Mexico. There were many different cultures over those 4000 years but they all shared a common belief of the afterlife. This belief resulted in the celebration of death instead of a fear. They believed death was the continuance of life, just in a different world. Once a year they celebrate their ancestors death. -
Halloween vs. Day of the Dead
Halloween is a time of superstition and celebration. Halloween is thought to have originated with the Celtic festival of Samhain, which is when people would set bonfires to scares ghosts and evil spirits away. November 1 was designated as a time to honor saints and martyrs; the holiday All Saints' Day used some of the traditions from Samhain. All Hallows' Eve (later came to be known as Halloween) was the evening before. Halloween came to be known as a community based event where kids got candy. -
1 Nov. 2016 Customs
Common traditions of Day of the Dead are building an altar to honor the dead, laying out offerings, sharing stories of the deceased, and cleaning and decorating grave sites. Day of the Dead is also very festive, it includes festivals, parades, and the making of Dia de los Muertos crafts. The key purpose behind these traditions is to make contact with the spirit of the dead, to let them know that they still care and that they are not forgotten. Day of the Dead customs may vary from town to town. -
Where it is Celebrated
Day of the Dead is celebrated in public and private places. It is mostly celebrated in peoples homes or in graveyards. People create altars for their deceased loved one, when celebrated in homes. In graveyards people clean the deceased person's graves and decorate them with foods and drinks, candles, flowers, and photos. People stay up all night celebrating and telling funny tales about the dead when they were alive. Celebrations sometimes take the form of parades, festivals, and street parties. -
Who Celebrates Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead is celebrated all throughout Mexico. Many countries around the world celebrate Day of the Dead in their own similar way though. Celebrations may occur in countries in Central and South America, and Europe and Asia. Day of the Dead has also taken place in the U.S. where large group of Mexican immigrants are, mostly in California, Texas, and Arizona. Even people around the world that are not connected to Mexican culture sometimes celebrate Day of the Dead.
