Q&A for How to Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

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If a picture of your loved one is not available, is writing their name on a candle acceptable?

Community Answer

Yes, you can certainly write their name on a candle. You could also put one or more of their possessions on the altar or write them a note.

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What do I do while at my loved one's grave?

Community Answer

Sprinkle some sugar over the grave and pray. Your loved one should appear in your dreams.

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Question

Who created the Day of the Dead?

Community Answer

It's not always possible to trace a holiday back to one creator. This tradition started in southern Mexico as a Pagan holiday/festival. It's been observed for centuries.

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Question

Where can I place my altar?

Community Answer

It's easiest to just put it inside your house, preferably in the living room or where they used to sleep.

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Question

What do they wear to celebrate?

Community Answer

Some people wear costumes, such as those of El Catrín or La Catrina (Dapper Death and his dame). This means a top hat, cane, and coattails for El Catrín, and a big floppy hat and Victorian-era dress for La Catrina. Others put on sugar skull makeup. It is also fine to wear your normal clothes.

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Question

When making an altar for a deceased animal such as a dog, what kinds of things besides a picture should be put there?

Community Answer

You can put a favorite toy or their favorite kind of food. Or you could even put a blanket that the pet used to sleep with.

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Question

What do people usually drink with pan de muerto?

Community Answer

Atole is a drink that is often made on Dia de los Muertos and served with pan de muerto. Alternatively, you can serve your favorite drink, or your loved ones' favorite drink.

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Question

Can I celebrate without going to their grave?

Community Answer

Yes, there is not one particular way to celebrate this holiday. You can make an altar to celebrate their life at home or wherever you'd like.

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Question

Can I pray for someone else, like my friend's grandma?

Community Answer

Of course. You can either pray with your friend or just make an altar at home. You can pray for anyone.

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Question

Is there any other way it's celebrated?

Community Answer

Absolutely. While there is a traditional way to celebrate, many people alter the celebrations based on what they think would be most suitable for their loved ones.

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Question

How should I dress to celebrate Dia de los Muertos?

Izzy Thompson

Community Answer

You can wear any clothing with skulls or skeletons, or just wear normal clothes, it doesn't really matter.

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Can anyone celebrate the Day of the Dead?

Community Answer

Yes, anyone can celebrate the Day of the Dead.

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Question

What do I do with everything when the holiday is over? Is there a sacred disposal?

Community Answer

No, just dispose of it as you usually would. Pictures of the deceased can be kept all year round and food will mostly be eaten. You can keep any figurines or decorations for next year.

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Question

Can I do a traditional festival?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. There is no specific way to celebrate. You can do mid-modern, traditional, modern, etc.

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Question

When is Day of the Dead?

Tobias

Top Answerer

Typically from October 31st to November 2nd, but some people only celebrate it on November 1 - 2.

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Question

What does one do when the celebration for Dia de los Muertos is over?

Community Answer

It' is not a rule, but altars are usually removed on November 3. People who didn't have the time to visit the graveyard on the main days bring flower on the next days or weekend.

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Question

Would the ashes need to be put next to an altar or a collection of photographs to celebrate the lost ancestor?

Community Answer

Cremation ashes are not necessary for the altar. A cross shape of ashes is placed on the floor in front of the altar, but it is typically wood ashes.

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Question

Can I do anything on Dia de los Muertos for my animals who have passed away?

Community Answer

Yes just put their favourite blanket, food or toy with a picture of them. If a picture is not available, you can set a candle out with their name on it.

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What is it called when I visit the grave of my dead loved one in Spanish?

Community Answer

There isn't really a specific name, but my Mexican family would literally call it "dead visiting," so "muertos visitando" in Spanish!

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Question

Do I have to be a Mexican to celebrate Dia de los Muertos?

Nico

Top Answerer

No. Day of the Dead is not only observed by Mexicans. While this means that anyone can use this holiday to honor their loved ones, it also means that such celebrations must respect the holiday's origins and value in Latin American cultures. It's a holiday about love, celebration, and honor, so if you celebrate in that spirit, you're doing it correctly.

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Question

What movie is recommended for Day of the Dead?

Nico

Top Answerer

Coco, The Book of Life, and Día de los Muertos are all great movies to watch on the Day of the Dead.

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