Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos

Introduction Up ahead, skull puppets float in the air, and skeletons dance in the street. Drummers march, and children wear masks and cardboard wings. You ask a woman with a painted face what's happening. She tells you it's a parade that honors friends and family who have died. It's a Dia de los Muertos parade.

When and Where? People in many parts of the world celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or “ Day of the Dead. " People in Mexico have celebrated holidays like Dia de los Muertos for thousands of years. All over the United States, people hold Day of the Dead parades and celebrations. These celebrations usually take place around November 1 and 2.

Is It Halloween? Dia de los Muertos might seem like Halloween, but the two holidays are different. Halloween is often about scaring people. Dia de los Muertos is a time of happiness and joy. Some people in certain cultures believe the spirits of loved ones come home to visit. People remember, honor, and celebrate those who have died.

In San Francisco, California, about 15, 000 people carry candles and photos of loved ones who have died. Austin, Texas, has a large parade and costume contest to celebrate Day of the Dead. In Tucson(TOO-sawn), Arizona, more than 30, 000 people march in a parade.

Lidia's Dia de los Muertos Growing up in Mexico, Lidia Teran-Cooper celebrated Dia de los Muertos. Lidia and her family spent every November 2 at the cemetery. The family brought flowers and a picnic. They told stories about those who had died. Bands played special songs in honor of the dead. Lidia and the other children danced and played all day at the cemetery.