Day of the Dead History

Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that celebrates loved ones that have passed. To some the first sight of skulls and skeletons may make them think Day of the Dead is a scary or gruesome event, but it is the exact opposite. Take a closer look at the skeleton characters and you will see that they are often dancing, singing, playing music, and even eating! Often the Day of the Dead characters are dressed up wearing their favorite clothes or occupational outfits that they wore when they were alive.

Day of the Dead celebrations now take place all over the world and in Mexico is it held on November 2nd. Historically families decorate gravesites of passed family members or friends with colorful flowers, handmade gifts, candles, and assorted cakes and candies. Sugar skulls are popular decorations made of a sugar paste which can them be painted and decorated. Some sugar skulls are highly detailed with the name of the dead on the forehead and some are given to children for them to decorate. Altars memorializing the dead are also popular to set up for Day of the Dead celebrations. In a home a Day of the Dead altar is set up using the items that were used and the favorites of the passed. Favorite foods, toys, crossed, pictures, even alchohol. The altar is used as a central location for friends and family to get together to tell stories about the dead. Some people wear shells or Day of the Dead beads on themselves so as they dance or move about they are said to wake up the dead to make it easier to talk to them.

Parades and Day of the Dead parties are also a historical aspect of Day of the Dead celebrations. Community parades are typically held so that all people can celebrate and remember the passed loved ones. The skull mask is a popular decoration as not only a mask you can wear but a traditional Day of the Dead decoration. We have lots of Day of the Dead decorations to help you throw a Day of the Dead celebration, parade or party, so go ahead and celebrate your family history.