Children as Part
of Worldwide Traditions
Dia de los Muertos in Mexico
Francisco Javier Montes
from Mexico
Halloween in Mexico is a
different celebration from Halloween in all the other countries. Even though,
it's the day of death in Mexico, death brings laughter, and in that celebration,
the Mexican people play with death, making people laugh. They buy smiling
candy skulls with the names of the people, family and friends written on
the forehead. These skulls are made of sugar, and the children eat them
like candies. The celebration includes jokes, parties, dancing, music,
and a lot of delightful food
Where and When?
Los Dios de los Muertos
is a traditional Mexican holiday honoring the dead. It is celebrated every
year at the same time as Halloween and the Christian holy days of All Saints
Day and All Souls Day (November 1st and 2nd).
The towns people dress up
as ghouls, ghosts, mummies and skeletons and parade through the town carrying
an open coffin.
Why Do They Celebrate?
The Mexican people celebrate
the deceased people by making offers of food and drink (ofertas) to these
dead people and making a party of death. They make candy skulls and toys,
and they tell funny stories about death. There is a saying that says:
"Through the Mexicans, death
makes laughter."
Who Takes Part?
All the Mexicans participate
in these celebrations. It's a tradition in our country, and almost everyone
enjoys them.
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