Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos

Introduction Up ahead, a giant skull puppet floats high in the air. Skeletons dance in the street, drummers march, and children wear masks and glittery angel wings. People on stilts walk around and perform tricks. You ask a woman with a beautifully painted face what's happening. She tells you that you are part of a special parade that honors friends and relatives who have died. You are part of a Día 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 some form of Día de los Muertos for thousands of years. In the United States, people hold Day of the Dead parades and celebrations in many states, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oregon, Montana, and Wisconsin. The dates for these celebrations vary, but they usually take place around November 1 and 2. Each of the celebrations honors people--and sometimes pets-who have died.

Is It Halloween? With the time of year and the skulls and skeletons, Día de los Muertos might seem like Halloween-but the two holidays are different. Unlike Halloween, which is often about scaring people, Día de los Muertos is a time of happiness and joy, when some people in certain cultures believe the spirits of loved ones come home to visit. The loved ones who have died are remembered, honored, and celebrated.

In the Day of the Dead procession in San Francisco, California, about 15, 000 people carry candles and photos of loved ones who have died. Austin, Texas, celebrates with a grand procession and costume contest. In Tucson (TOO-sawn), Arizona, more than 30, 000 people march in a parade. The best part about most of these parades is that anyone can participate.

Lidia's Día de los Muertos As a little girl growing up in Mexico, Lidia Terán-Cooper celebrated Día de los Muertos every year. She and her family spent every November 2 at the cemetery. The family brought flowers and a picnic and told stories about relatives who had died. Musicians called mariachis played special songs in honor of the dead. Lidia and the other children danced and played all day at the cemetery.