South and Central America covers the seven republics of Belize,
Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.
The
country side is as diverse as the 13 countries in South
America, from active volcanoes, deep valleys, Caribbean beaches on one
side and the Pacific ocean on the other.
Day of the Dead, “Dia de los Muertos” is a holiday celebrated in
Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala and other Southern/Central American
contries.
It is also celebrated in the U.S.A. States such as Texas, California
and other locations with large Hispanic populations
Spiritual Significance
November 2nd is the official date for the Day of the Dead, but usually celebrated
between Oct. 31st and Nov. 2. These dates correspond w/the Catholic celebrations
of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
The best way to describe this holiday is to say it is a time when family members
who have died are remembered. In Mexico, this festival is considered to be the
most important holiday of the year.
The "ofrendas"- offerings, are beautifully arranged with flowers, marigolds which are
the traditional flower of the dead. There is a candle placed for each dead soul.
Mementos, photos, and other remembrances of the dead are also adorning the ofrenda.
Sugar skulls are popular, as are cardboard coffins from which a skeleton can be made to
jump out. Pan de muerte (bread of the dead) are one of the foods offered at the alter.
Also adorning the alter are papel picado (cut paper) designs.
Sugar skulls
Jose Guadalupe Posada
1852-1913
The father of Mexican printmaking, he popularized the
images of calaveras and use the prints for social reportage,
and as political and social satire
Paper flowers
Papel picado
Pan de muertos
An artist using a punch and
hammer to create Papel Picado