We just had Dias de Los Muertos on November 1st and 2nd. It is primarily a Mexican holiday dating all the way back to the Aztec Empire. The Mayan empire (modern day Central America) also had their own Day of the Dead called Hanál Pixan. Today, many countries celebrate it including El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil (yes Brazil), Bolivia, Colombia, Haiti and more.
(Below is copied from https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/day-of-the-dead-in-mexico-10-traditions-customs/)
Day of the Dead, otherwise known as Día de los Muertos, is rather deceptively not a one-day, but a multi-day holiday celebrated annually in Mexico on the first two days of November. Principally a celebration of both life and death in which families commemorate their deceased loved ones, it finds its roots in Mesoamerican culture, although its popularity nowadays is widespread. Unsurprisingly, there are more than a few traditions and customs associated with this event. Here are the top ten.
Constructing altars
The construction of altars is perhaps the principal custom of this longstanding celebration. Often decorated in vibrant oranges and purples before being piled high with ofrendas (offerings) such as candles, flowers and personal possessions, these altares (altars) are generally more private affairs that are built at home. However, in many communities such as Pátzcuaro, families construct them right at the graveside of the deceased, and nowadays are also prepared by most public buildings. The planning can often take months, but the results are admittedly spectacular.
Making ofrendas (offerings) to the dead
This custom goes hand-in-hand with the construction of the emblematic altars, as families select a variety of ofrendas (offerings) which supposedly encourage the deceased to return home and hear the prayers of their loved ones. On November 1 (Día de los Inocentes), deceased children are offered toys and sweets, while November 2 sees ofrendas for deceased adults, such as alcohol, cigarettes and football shirts, as well as the more generic candles, Mexican cempasúchiles (marigolds) and pan de muerto (sweet bread).
Using cempasúchiles (Mexican marigolds)
While this flower—the tongue-twister named cempasúchil, also known as flor de muerto—also falls under the category of an ofrenda, it's well worth mentioning in its own right. Mexicans believe that this flower helps guide their loved one's soul back to the world of the living, and given that it only flowers during the rainy season which precedes the Day of the Dead, it has now become heavily and primarily associated with the festivities.
Creation or purchase of sugar skulls
The term 'sugar skull' actually comes from Day of the Dead festivities and is perhaps the most globally emblematic symbol of both the festivities and Mexico in general. Sugar skulls are either bought or made by families to add to their altar, and the name of the deceased is often written in icing on the forehead. In addition to the traditional sugar versions, you can also get chocolate and biscuit 'sugar skulls' during this period.
Holding graveside vigils
Although many opt to stay at home on the night of November 1 and the early hours of November 2, holding graveside vigils is still common in many Mexican communities and is most definitely one of this celebration's most iconic rituals. One particular area in which this trend still thrives is Pátzcuaro, Michoacán; on November 2, residents (along with throngs of curious tourists) take boats colloquially known as mariposas (butterflies) to Isla de Janitzio, where they honor their dead in the island's cemeteries.
Eating pan de muerto
Another common tradition during the Day of the Dead period is the consumption of the so-called pan de muerto. Thankfully, this is not bread made of dead people, no matter what the name might lead you to think. It's actually lightly orange-flavored sweet bread, which has 'bonelike' decorations atop it and a healthy coating of sugar.
Grave cleaning and decorating
Even though not all families choose to honor their loved ones at the graveyard itself, the tradition of cleaning the grave is still respected by most. This task usually includes tidying the area surrounding the headstone, but being sure to leave behind the aforementioned cempasúchil flowers. A complete altar is often constructed there, too. Graveyards during the Day of the Dead celebrations, contrary to what you might expect, actually take on the atmosphere of (surprisingly festive) social gatherings.
Displays of calacas
Calacas are clothed, decorated and colorful skeleton figurines that you've undoubtedly seen but never known the name for. Due to the association of sugar skulls and calacas (skeletons) with Mexico as a whole, many places will display such iconography all year round; however, during the Day of the Dead, calacas are wheeled out in force across the country. Dressed in long, sometimes regal and traditional Mexican dresses and styles, in Guadalajara they're displayed down the central pathway of Avenida Chapultepec.
Taking part in the Catrina parade
Even though this custom more or less only applies to Mexico City—although other locations will probably hold their own, albeit less grand, version—it is worth a mention. Each year, hundreds of people dress up as Catrinas and descend on the zócalo to take part in the Catrina parade. Attendees paint their faces in the typical style of the Catrina skull, complete with colorful accents around the eyes and cheeks, and dress in outfits appropriate for the occasion.
Sharing stories of the dead
Finally, one of the most evocative customs that takes place during the Day of the Dead festivities is the sharing of amusing anecdotes and memories about the deceased. The penchant for telling funny tales ultimately comes from the notion that the deceased would rather not be remembered somberly, but cheerfully. This is a tradition often excluded from popular culture because of the highly intimate nature of it, but it is representative of a wider respect for oral traditions in Mexican culture
(Below is copied from https://www.brighthubeducation.com/social-studies-help/13716-how-the-day-of-the-dead-is-celebrated-in-various-cultures/)
Ecuador: In Ecuador the celebration is similar to Mexico: there are not many differences. People go to the graves of their relatives and leave local food and drinks like the Purple Colada, a beverage made of purple corn and local berries.
A tradition that is mostly seen in the rural areas is the Piruruy, the Ecuador version of Ouija; the game is played with dice carved from llama bones and is used as a method of communication with the departed.
Nicaragua: El Dia de los Muertos in Nicaragua is by far the most "extreme" of all the celebrations, as people go and camp in the mausoleums to be closer to their departed ones.
Colombia: Colombia does not officially celebrate this day. Still, many people pilgrimage to the graveyards on November 1st to leave items that the dead liked in life, such as their favorite books and their favorite flowers. The approach in Colombia is more romantic and solemn than other countries because big parties like the Ecuadorian and Mexican versions are not held.
Venezuela: There are no rites or traditions in Venezuela, but some believers use the days of November 1st and 2nd to do restoration work on the graves of their relatives.
Peru: The tradition in Peru is similar as the Colombian observance; flowers and items that the departed liked in life are left on their graves. People also gather to remember relatives and friends who passed away.
(Below is copied from http://www.elsalvadortips.com/the-day-of-the-dead-in-el-salvador)
Day of the Dead in El Salvador
The Day of the Dead is a celebration throughout El Salvador. It is customary to go to the cemetery to pray and place flowers on the graves of loved ones who have died. Wreaths of natural flowers or paper are placed. It is also customary to place wreaths of cypress leaves for its pleasant aroma. The food usually consumed during this time is: Tamales (chicken or pork, sweet or savory) and squash cooked with brown sugar, honey called Squash in pieces.
The Day of the Dead in El Salvador
Traditionally in El Salvador, on November 2 commemorates the day of the Dead, and this particular day is used by people to buy flowers, painting, lime, brushes, achieved hoes, shovels and picks and family are addressed to the cemetery where are buried the nearest recently or several years of deceased relatives.
The Tombs of cement "chelean" with lime and crosses in white or other colors painted, letters tombstones repainted with gold, silver or dark colors using brushes, are decorated with paper flowers and dipped in melted beeswax to obtain a rough complexion and better withstand the elements, or cypress crown full of artificial or natural flowers.
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Non-FictionI made this for anyone trying to learn Spanish! Since learning cultures is a big part of learning a language, I have included different traditions/food/phrases/etc. from countries in Latin America and Equatorial Guinea. Notice: I am Salvadoran so I...
