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       Mexico

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated in Mexico and throughout Latin America on November 1 and 2. Despite its name, the festival is fun-filled and family-friendly. Like the Chinese Qingming Festival in Forget Me Not #80, Día de los Muertos is a national holiday marked by an entire population breaking away from its normal routine to honor the dead. Communities host boisterous and vibrant parades; amusement parks put on extravagant events. And children eat all sorts of themed candy—skulls and coffins made out of sugar, and lollipops in the shape of skeletons.

There are reflective aspects to Día de los Muertos, too. Families routinely create small altars in their homes with offerings to those they’ve lost. Items vary, but generally include food, photos, and mementos. Large altars are often erected in parks and public squares.

When I went to Mexico to research Day of the Dead, I spent a bit of time at Xcaret (pronounced Esh-kar-et), a sprawling tourist attraction near Cancún. The park has an extensive Day of the Dead program that’s interesting for adults and appropriate for children of all ages.

For more information about Xcaret please visit: www.xcaret.com.

BRING IT HOME

Even though Día de los Muertos is celebrated in November, you can easily incorporate its most popular and festive touches into your Halloween festivities.

Cover tables with traditional decor: candy skulls, mini skeletons, and brightly colored paper flowers. Party stores carry these decorations, including theme-ready banners and streamers.

To infuse the party with poignancy, encourage guests to bring a main dish or dessert reminiscent of their loved one. You can also ask them to bring a photo and brief story to share.