Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated in central and southern Mexico during the days of November 1 & 2.
Even though this coincides with the Catholic holiday called All Soul's & All Saint’s Day, many people have combined this with their own ancient beliefs of honoring their deceased loved ones.
They believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.
Even though this coincides with the Catholic holiday called All Soul's & All Saint’s Day, many people have combined this with their own ancient beliefs of honoring their deceased loved ones.
They believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.
Catrina (above photo) has come to symbolize not only El Día de los Muertos and the Mexican willingness to laugh at death itself, but originally catrina was an elegant or well-dressed woman, rich person.
She serves as a reminder that death brings a neutralizing force; everyone is equal in the end.
