Person
Sandra Gonzales Gallardo & Ana Laura Escamilla Manrique
Cultural Heritage
Dia de Muertos
Description
The Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of the most important Mexican holidays to commemorate the dead. This custom was added to the 2008 UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is not a mourning ceremony, but a colourful folk festival. According to popular belief, the souls of the departed come back to visit their families. The Ofrendas or traditional altars to the dead as well as gift tables are bedecked with food and drink, flowers, and memorabilia. The dead are meant to fortify themselves after the long journey and take the gifts with them.
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