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

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  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Question
    Can anyone celebrate the Day of the Dead?
    Community Answer
    Yes, anyone can celebrate the Day of the Dead.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Question
    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!
  • Question
    Do I have to be a Mexican to celebrate Dia de los Muertos?
    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.
  • Question
    What movie is recommended for Day of the Dead?
    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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