Making the "altar" for Dia de las Muertos/Day of the Dead

I have been hearing about Dia de las Muertos/Day of the Dead for years and wondered what it was all about.The traditions vary all over Mexico but our North American concept of Halloween is forbidden by the Catholic Church because it is believed to be "devil worship".  Fair enough. What the Mexican do, by having Dia de las Meurtos, is far more interesting, in my opinion, and serves the community better.

 In their tradition, they believe the dead come back to visit loved-ones on Earth on Nov.1 and 2.  On Nov.1,  it is Dia de los angels/Day of the Dead for Children.  On the following day, Nov. 2, it is Day of the Dead for adults.

 The concept is very interesting- each home makes an altar and decorates it. It is decorated with flowers, soap, water and a towel so the spirits can wash their hands before eating- nice touch, I think!  Incence is also used to help to guide the spirits to their earthly home - the smoke can be seen by the dead. The favorite foods of the deceased person is also laid upon the altar. Even the favorite music of the deceased will be playing on this important night!  To top it all off, a cup and bottle of Tequila, is poised and  ready for the visiting spirit to take a swig! The altar is also decorated with pictures of the deceased, favorite personal items and toys etc.. in the case of a child. The mood is festive and all of the statues and posters/pictures on the altar are of happy skeletons in clothing smiling at the living. There are also for candles placed in the middle of the altar to symbolize the Cross and north, south, east, and west...a sort of compass for the dead to find a way back home.

Merit showing off a tiny coffin decoration with a happy skeleton inside.

Liz (student) and Merit setting up the altar at the language school.

Antonio (another teacher) helping decorate with a groovy skeleton with hair!

Posing with the Mexican style skeleton (all that is needed is other members of the Mariachi band!).

Decorations- note mini altar poster on the left with bread, donuts and Tequila featured!

Merit, Antonio, and Liz having fun while making the altar!

Brenda and the finished product ( there are even mini skeleton figurines on the table using computers, teaching class, etc...)

In addition to the altar in the home, there are church services for the dead, and fiestas at the grave sites as well, with all members of the family remembering the dead by having a party.  I helped the teachers at the school set up an altar  today.  We are remembering two important Mexican artists at our altar. On Tuesday, after classes, we will also be going to the cemetary for the celebration.  Viva la Mexico!