Why Is Day Of The Dead Important In Mexican Culture

In Mexico, there are many celebrations and traditions that are important in the Mexican culture. One of these multitude of traditions is Dia de los Muertos, Spanish for Day of the Dead; its celebration date is on the 1st and 2nd of November. Day of the Dead is the Mexican holiday where families and friends honor their departed loved ones with festivities, particularly with foods, drinks, and other activities that the dead enjoyed from life. Day of the Dead first originated in the 16th century from Aztec traditions in honoring the dead, but later the tradition merged with elements of Christianity by moving the celebration date to November 1-2 (originally being in the summer), because it is on All Saints' Day and All Souls Day. On these days some believe that the spirits of the loved ones come to visit. Day of the Dead is important to Mexicans because it is a time to honor, and celebrate their deceased loved ones, instead of mourning over them. Day of the Dead first started with Aztecs ancient traditions that begin in august, and run throughout the month, at this time, the holiday was about festivities that were in dedication to a goddess named Mictecacihuatl (Lady of the Dead). Later the Spaniards wanted to accommodate these festivities into Christianity by celebrating it at the start of November because of the belief that spirits came to visit on …show more content…
Day of the Dead uses plenty of calacas and calaveras, skeletons and skulls in Spanish; participants normally wear makeup that resembles a skeletons face, but with loads of glamorous details covering the face; people also dress in colorful, and exotic costumes. A variety of foods are also prepared, such as, Pan de muerto (bread of the dead), enchiladas, candied pumpkin, and