DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (MEXICO) Although Cinco de Mayo may be more well-known in the US, this is arguably Mexico’s most important and widely celebrated holiday. In fact, it’s important enough that it was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.
More commonly known in English-speaking countries as the Day of the Dead, the festivities begin on October 31 and last through November 2.
As depicted in the 2017 Pixar film Coco, the holiday is all about getting together with friends and family to remember and celebrate ancestors who have died in order to help them on their spiritual journey.
To honor those that came before, mexican families build private altars in their homes, known as ofrendas. On top of them they’ll put photos of the dead, calaveras (a.k.a. sugar skulls), Aztec Marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of their ancestors.
They also visit their loved ones’ graves, leaving these gifts and other beloved possessions as tribute to the deceased.
Specific celebrations of the holiday differ from region to region, with some towns holding lively parades and celebrations, while others keep it a more subdued affair with religious overtones (it coincides with All Saint’s Day).
In some cities, children will dress up in costume and go door-to-door asking calaveritas, much like trick-or-treating in the US.
Looking for a hotel to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos in Mexico? Check out H21 Hotel Boutique, Fiesta Inn Aeropuerto CD Mexico or City Express Ciudad de Mexico Aeropuerto.
Придумайте 8 вопросов по тексту.
1 In which country is Cinco de Mayo more famous?
2 When does the Day of the Dead holiday begin
3. In what year was the film Coco filmed?
4 What are the Mexicans building to honor the memory of those who were before?
5 What do the dead leave behind on the graves?
6 What day does this holiday coincide with?
7 What do children dress up for during the holiday?
8 What is the name of the holiday?