Day of the Dead, Dia de Los Muertos

Day of the Dead (November 1 & 2) can actually look scary and isn't necessarily easy to understand. It is held immediately after Halloween but some celebrate it October 31 - November 2, with Oct. 31 being All Hallows Eve in which the angelitos (spirits of dead children) are invited to come back for a visit. Its iconic symbols-- sugar skull candy, skeleton decorations, and people painting their faces like skeletons--can be frightening. But the key to understanding Day of the Dead versus Halloween is intent.

Day of the Dead seeks to honor loved ones who have died. The best way to learn about Day of the Dead is to attend a celebration.

The celebration: People visit their relatives and loved ones who have passed at their cemetery markers, often cleaning the gravesites. They may build altars containing the favorite foods, beverages, photos and memorabilia, of the departed. In California, celebrations are hosted by cities, art centers, cultural centers and even shopping or marketing districts. They sometimes include arts & crafts, alter tributes to famous Hispanic political or social people who influenced society, and processions. 

One thing that may be forgotten is how holiday celebrations, in general, change with the times. From a marketing perspective, theme parks and the public, in general, have associated Day of the Dead with Halloween because the skeletons and face paint remind them of some aspects of that holiday.  Dia de Los Muertos wasn't always held near Halloween, and was actually conveniently moved to its current days (Nov. 1-2). The founders of the concept, the Aztecs, originally held the celebration in July and August, and the event lasted several weeks, not two days. Spaniards influenced natives to shorten the holiday and celebrate it  with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, Catholic holidays on November 1 and 2.

During recent years Californians have attempted to integrate Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) activities and celebrations into their cultural base. Disney's attempt to trademark the name, "Day of the Dead" caused an uprising. Similarly, Universal Studios Hollywood also was challenged for creating the scare sensation La Llorona or the weeping woman, a mythical figure attached to the Day of the Dead in popular culture. That particular scare zone was not seen in following years of Halloween Horror Nights after its introduction. Knott's Berry Farm's Day of the Dead Scare Zone similarly was chastised by an Hesperia resident for trivializing what he considered a sacred holiday. 

Day of the Dead comes right after Halloween, and it almost seems like the events are related. The two festivals actually derive from related dates in the Catholic calendar. Halloween or All Hallows' Eve on October 31 and All Hallows Day (Nov.1) along with All Souls' Day (Nov.2) that comprise Day of the Dead have been related since medieval times.

In Mexico, Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos is an official holiday. Halloween, on the other hand, has grown in popularity but is seen by some Mexicans as detracting from Day of the Dead, a memorial celebration for loved ones who have passed.

In California it seems like Halloween can't get much bigger. It is embraced by adults and children through parties, theme park attractions, city celebrations and the annual tradition of Trick or Treat. Meanwhile, Day of the Dead celebrations continue to grow as California's demographic changes with Hispanics now the majority. The best way to learn about Dia de los Muertos is to attend an event and talk with people.