( Here's how marigolds became iconic symbols of the Day of the Dead.) 4.and so are literary calaveras.Ĭalavera means “skull.” But during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, calavera was used to describe short, humorous poems, which were often sarcastic tombstone epitaphs published in newspapers that poked fun at the living. The smoke from copal incense, made from tree resin, transmits praise and prayers and purifies the area around the altar. Scattered from altar to gravesite, marigold petals guide wandering souls back to their place of rest. Marigolds are the main flowers used to decorate the altar. If one of the spirits is a child, you might find small toys on the altar. As such, they’re loaded with offerings-water to quench thirst after the long journey, food, family photos, and a candle for each dead relative. These aren’t altars for worshipping rather, they’re meant to welcome spirits back to the realm of the living. The centerpiece of the celebration is an altar, or ofrenda, built in private homes and cemeteries. Today Mexicans from all religious and ethnic backgrounds celebrate Día de los Muertos, but at its core, the holiday is a reaffirmation of Indigenous life. In 2008, UNESCO recognized the importance of Día de los Muertos by adding the holiday to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) says that cultural heritage also includes living expressions of culture-traditions-passed down from generation to generation. It has been recognized by UNESCO.Ĭultural heritage is not just monuments and collections of objects. It takes place on November 1 and 2-All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on the Catholic calendar-around the time of the fall maize harvest. Today’s Día de los Muertos celebration is a mash-up of pre-Hispanic religious rites and Christian feasts. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit-and during Día de los Muertos, they temporarily returned to Earth. For these pre-Hispanic cultures, death was a natural phase in life’s long continuum. Unauthorized use is prohibited.ĭay of the Dead originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people, who considered mourning the dead disrespectful. Follow along to cook with family, create traditional crafts, build your own altar, and more.Please be respectful of copyright. Our authentic and thoughtful web content prepares families to create their own Día de los Muertos celebration at home. Visit (English) or (Spanish) for information about all things Día de Muertos in Longmont and thematic content highlighting the origins and traditions that make Day of the Dead a meaningful and heartwarming holiday. October 14–November 6 free at the Museumĭowntown Longmont at 4th Avenue and Coffman Street Community participation is an essential part of this holiday full of life, reflection, food, family, and fun. Running since the year 2000, it’s the longest-standing Day of the Dead exhibition and celebration in Colorado and attracts more than 6,000 people annually.
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