Día de los Muertos

While many Americans have been celebrating Halloween this week, in Mexico people are preparing for a different holiday knows as Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This celebration lasts for three days, from October 31 until November 2. Check out the video below for an overview of what this holiday is all about.

Watch Day of the Dead on PBS. See more from Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly.

Based on what you learned in the video, in what ways do Halloween and Día de los Muertos seem similar? In what ways do they differ?

One similarity you may have already noticed is that both holidays include macabre artwork featuring skulls and skeletons. The skulls, known as calaveras, and the skeletons, known as calacas, are central to Day of the Dead decorations and were inspired by the artist José Guadalupe Posada.  Sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar) are one of the most common items for sale during Day of the Dead festivities.

http://www.arteyfotografia.com.ar

Many families set up altars in their homes in honor of their loved ones. What items can you identify on this altar? Can you explain the significance of each item?

image courtesy of San Jose Library via flickr

After comparing Halloween to Día de los Muertos, which holiday do you think has more cultural value? Explain your view in the comments below.