How to Celebrate Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead is a Mexican custom that begins at midnight on October 31 and ends on November 2. During this time, people celebrate their memories of their deceased loved ones. Whether you are of Hispanic or Spanish descent or not, follow these steps to celebrate Day of the Dead.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Altar
- Food
- Banners and decorations for the home and the grave sites
- Photos and memento of the deceased
- Candles
- Calavera
- Tools to clean gravesites
Instructions
-
-
1
Build an altar for the souls of deceased relatives to visit in your home. Include the four main elements, earth, wind, water and fire. Represent earth by leaving food on your altar; the aroma of food sustains the souls of the deceased. Represent wind by hanging a moving object, such as tissue paper. Represent water by leaving a container or water so that the soul can drink when it arrives at the altar. Finally, represent fire with candles. Light one candle for each soul you are remembering, and light one extra for a forgotten soul.
-
2
Place flowers, photos and incense on the altar as well. You can place any other mementos of your loved ones on the altar that you wish. Remember to add bread to the altar table and leave it there until after you visit the cemetery for the souls. Leave other offerings for deceased souls, such as cigarettes for people who were smokers, or toys for deceased children.
-
-
3
Write a calavera, which is an obituary that recognizes the deceased in a positive way. The calavera should describe the character of the person and outline the good deeds he did while on earth. Have the calavera published in a local newspaper.
-
4
Make many good foods for the memorial. Traditionally, you should have bread such as pan de muertos, or bread of the dead. Also, include fruits, vegetables and sweets such as candies and baked goods. You can also make tamales, enchiladas, and other dishes you enjoy. Add other treats such as beer and chocolate.
-
5
Gather at the gravesites on November 2. Clean up the graves of the deceased. Remove weeds and make any needed structural repairs to the headstones. Decorate the headstones with flowers, streamers or other decorations that you choose. Bring the departed's favorite food and drink and consume it in a picnic or party-like atmosphere.
-
1
