Family
Family traditions is a BIG deal on this holiday!
Creating day of the dead alters: Altars are typically created inside people's homes to honor the spirits of their deceased loved ones. When Dia de los Muertos is embraced by the community, non-secular altars are also created in schools, government offices, and other community spaces.
Decorating the Gravesites: The tradition of grave-cleaning on Dia de los Muertos takes on a festive air. Graveyard picnics are common as people interact with the spirits of the deceased as if they were still alive. These graveyard visits often turn into all-night vigils with candlelit ceremonies and hired bands to play the favorite music of the dead.
Story Telling: Part of honoring the dead is to tell stories about them, such as funny anecdotes or poems that poke fun at their quirks (known as calaveras). It is believed that the dead do not want to be thought of in a sad or somber manner - they want to be remembered and celebrated, since they are still alive – just in another form.In Mexican culture, these stories form part of each family's oral tradition, as tales of family members are passed on from generation to generation. It keeps the family history alive.
Text is copyright protected © Thaneeya LLC: http://www.celebrate-day-of-the-dead.com/day-of-the-dead-traditions.html#ixzz2eavMLEhb
Story Telling: Part of honoring the dead is to tell stories about them, such as funny anecdotes or poems that poke fun at their quirks (known as calaveras). It is believed that the dead do not want to be thought of in a sad or somber manner - they want to be remembered and celebrated, since they are still alive – just in another form.In Mexican culture, these stories form part of each family's oral tradition, as tales of family members are passed on from generation to generation. It keeps the family history alive.
Text is copyright protected © Thaneeya LLC: http://www.celebrate-day-of-the-dead.com/day-of-the-dead-traditions.html#ixzz2eavMLEhb
FOOD! :)
The most popular "Dia de los Muertos" ofrenda is Sugar Skulls. Sugar skulls are a traditional folk art from Central and Southern Mexico used to celebrate Day of the Dead. Mounds of colorful sugar skulls are sold by vendors in the village open air markets during the week preceding Day of the Dead. Increasing numbers of non-traditional colorful candies such as decorated chocolate skulls and other Halloween candies are now competing with the traditional sugar skulls, which are becoming harder and harder to find in Southern Mexico. The skulls are made of a sugar mixture that has been pressed into molds and then dried. The dried sugar skulls are decorated with icing and sometimes non-edible items such as colored foil, feathers or sequins. View some finished sugar skulls in the Sugar Skulls Gallery and learn more about the history of Sugar Skulls here.
This sugary, sweet bread is enjoyed by the families of the deceased during Dia de los Muertos, as well as placed on the altar. The Pan de Muerto is a made into a loaf and and extra dough is fashioned into decorations resembling bones. The bread is baked, glazed and decorated with colored sugar.
This sweet dish consists of fresh pumpkin slices that are cooked in a piloncillo glaze. The Candied Pumpkin is also enjoyed by the family during Dia de los Muertos as well as placed on the altar.
These chocolate items are a newer addition to the altars. They can be plain or decorated with other edible items such as colored sugar, brightly colored candies or sprinkles. Chocolate Coffins and Skulls can be bought pre-made or you can make them yourself.
A hot cup of masa gruel known as Atole is used to nourish and warm the spirits when they return and/or when they leave.
Games
On Dia de los Muertos games are held to entertain everyone at the festival. Families at home play board games with the theme of the festival, card games, bingo, there are pinatas to hit, & making your own skulls. The games are played with the families and most of the bigger games like pinantas, take place during the big festival.
Music
Songs Sang:
Instruments used:
Guitars, Tamborines, Drums, Trumpets, Violins, & many other instruments that let's everyone near by KNOW that their having a good celebration. :)
Parades
During this 3 day celebration, parades are held under many themes like a Marigold Parade. They hold costume contests, art shows, hold community alters, & food. The parades usually start around 5 and into the night, bringing all their skulls they made, costumes, face's painted, and floats praising this fun holiday.
