The Day of the Dead…

A celebration of life

Take off those Batman and Wonder Woman costumes and get ready to experience the Day of the Dead.

Dia de Los Muertos, now widely recognized in Latin America and growing throughout the United States, was formed from a combination of indigenous Aztec rituals
and Catholicism. Held on All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2), it is a colorful, beautiful and sacred holiday held to honour the lives of the dead.

Celebratory display

In Mexican culture and catholic cultures around the world, it is believed that mourning the death of a loved one, more specifically the sadness displayed as a result of the loss, would insult the departed. So, Dia de Los Muertos celebrates the lives of loved ones passed with food, drink, parties and activities that their dead loved ones enjoyed in their living years. It is believed that the dead are still very much a part of the living community and that they momentarily awaken in their final rest, to share the celebrations with their loved ones.

A child sitting next to a loved one that has passed on All Souls Day (Catholic holiday)

America is falling head over heels with the Day of the Dead. The “sugar skull” has long been introduced into pop culture as the eye-grabbing, ornate, filigree skull plastered on everything from notebooks to body parts. It’s a visual holiday; it’s stunning, mysterious and creepy, but in a fun and somehow comforting manner. We just can’t get enough. In recent years there have been Day of the Dead festivals popping up in various places in the United States. Here are some of the BEST places to celebrate without getting a passport:

Austin, TX

Los Angeles, CA

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

More skeletons in celebration of Dia de los Muertos

Tomorrow is a big celebration. Where are you heading to?

Check back for updates and photos from the South Florida Day of the Dead Festival.

If you are interested in Day of the Dead, check out the South Florida Day of the Dead Festival tomorrow in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale.