What is Dia de Los Muertos?
- It is a holiday celebrated in many Latin American countries where families celebrate & honor their loved ones who have died by creating altars (ofrendas).
- It is celebrated from Oct. 31st to Nov. 2nd
- Evening of Oct. 31st: create altar
- Nov. 1st: Day of the Innocent/Dia de los Inocentes (day for the kids)
- Nov. 2nd: Dia de los Muertos (adults)
- Traditionally, altars/ ofrendas are created in the gravesite of where the decease are
- Now, many individuals create ofrendsas in their homes (especially now with COVID-19).
- Items place on the altars/ofrendas are believed to encourage visits from their loved ones, as they hear them, smell food, & join the celebration.
- This holiday is not only a celebration but a time for families to grieve and remember their loved ones.
- Grief is a natural process we all experience when we lose someone or something we loved. It looks different among individuals. For examples, individuals may become angry, sad, quiet.
- Families & individuals may remember their loved ones by visiting grave sites, celebrating their loved one's birthday, or participating in activities their loved one once enjoyed. For many Latin American countries, they celebrate their loved ones during the Dia De Los Muertos holiday.
What is placed on the ofrenda?
Each item holds a different & significant meaning
- Photo of the deceased= to remember & honor them
- Water= to satisfy the thirst of the dead
- Food= providing the dead with their favorite kind of food
- ex. Tamales, pozole, mole, tacos
- Sugar Skulls= to decorate the altar
- Pan de muerto= to be shared & eaten together
- Marigold/Cempasuchil= guides the souls of the dead to their ofrendas
- Salt= cleanses the soul of the deceased
- Candles= the flame on the candle is the light that helps guide the dead to their way back to their former home.
- Papel picado= is used to decorate the altar.
Our Virtual Altar/Ofrenda
DIA DE MUERTOS VIRTUAL EVENT
For Mental Health Support:
- Reach out to PSWs: Ms. Moreno & Ms. Rafael are here to support. Click below OR use the QR code to connect with us!
- Our House: https://www.ourhouse-grief.org/children-and-teens/
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services (24 hr Crisis Line): 877-727-4747
- The Trevor Project LGTBQ Crisis Hotline: 18-66-488-73-86
- Teen Line: 310-855-4673 OR Text TEEN to 839863
- Teens helping teens 6pm-10pm (nightly)