Hola! I am a Spanish 1 student and this is a summary of the Teacher’s Discovery Dia de los Muertos video.
Ancient Mexicans believe death is just the beginning of a new part of our existence, so it is celebrated. Many items are used to celebrate and show respect for the dead. Candles are believed to guide souls from the afterlife. Sugar skulls, skeletons, and bread are other examples of traditional Dia de los Muertos items. Cempoaxochitl, or merigold flowers, are the most common on the holiday. Mole is a spicy chocolate sauce that is usually eaten during this time.
The holiday is sacred but also very fun. The people of Mexico embrace and celebrate death. Personal family alters are used to remember beloved family members who have passed into the afterlife. Copal is used around these alters and is believed to help raise prayers to heaven. Food, flowers, and other personalized items are placed on the steps of the alters.
October 31st is the day in which people clean and decorate the graves of their lost family members. November 1st is known as All Saints Day. This day is used to celebrate the dead children. November 2nd is Day of the Dead. This is a day full of fun and celebration, not a day of grief or sadness. Many people gather into cemeteries to spend time with family and to remember those in the afterlife. Families eat dinner, play games, or sing songs around the tombs to celebrate the life of the person. Parades and parties are also held on this day. People dress up in costumes that emulate lost loved ones when they were still alive, as well as some well-known figures.