Day of the Dead – Mexico
Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1 in Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala and other parts of Central or South America. Families gather to pray to the souls of dead relatives, asking them to return for one night. People decorate altars in their homes and graveyards with food , candles, candy skulls and marigolds to welcome the souls back to Earth. Skeletons are displayed throughout cities, and people dressed as skeletons parade through the streets. Pan de los muertos (bread of the dead) is baked in the shape of skulls and crossbones, and a toy is hidden inside each loaf. The person who bites into the toy is said to have good luck. Day of the Dead is a time to celebrate and remember the lives of dead family members.
1. Where and When is the Day of the Dead celebrated?
2. What do families gather to pray for?
3. What do people do to welcome the souls back to Earth?
4. What is the custom with Pan de los muertos (bread of the dead)?
5. What is the purpose of the Day of the Dead?
1. Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1.
2. Families gather to pray to the souls of dead relatives, asking them to return for one night.
3. People decorate altars in their homes and graveyards with food, candy skulls and marigolds to welcome the souls back to Earth.
4. Pan de los muertos is baked in the shape of skulls and crossbones, and a toy is hidden inside each loaf.
5. Day of the Dead is a time to celebrate and remember the lives of dead family members.