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Feliz Día De Los Muertos! This year, Friday November 1st marks the beginning of the multi-day holiday largely celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American countries. A Mexican tradition, Day of the Dead is celebrated by the offering of goods to past loved ones and celebrating their lives. This involves family and friends gathering to honor and remember the friends and family members who have died. Most families decorate private/home altars called ofrendas, which are a collection of offerings such as food and decorative objects made into a display. These altars often include photos, marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and papel picado. Some place these altars in public places or by their loved ones’ graves. The marigold petals and food are believed to attract the souls of the dead to the offerings, the bright petals and strong scent guiding the souls from the cemetery to their family’s home. Traditionally, families pray and tell stories in hopes the souls will hear them.

The observance falls during the Christian period of Allhallowtide. Similarly, it is time to remember the dead, including martyrs and saints.

Below are some of our resources (book lists and bog posts) for children and families to learn more about Día De Los Muertos, and Mexican culture.