VirtuArte.com

For many Americans, the end of October is a time reserved for costumes, tricks and treats.  In Mexico, however, this time is spent preparing for Dia de los Muertos, observed on the 1st and 2nd of November.  Dia de los Muertos is a time for celebrating the lives of deceased friends and family members.  It might sound bleak to Americans, but it's a holiday celebrated with much joy.  Time is spent remembering good times.

In celebration of the Mexican holiday, we put together this list of five things you did not know (or might have forgotten) about the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).

• Dia de los Muertos was originally celebrated at the beginning of August.  Spaniards moved the holiday from the ninth month of the Aztec Solar Calendar to All Saints Day and All Souls Day to make it more Christian. 
• Celebrations are not limited to Mexico.  Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in parts of the United States and throughout Central America.  Festivals do vary depending on location, though in rural Mexico and Guadalupe, families visit grave sites of the deceased.  In the United States and in larger Mexican cities, families construct altars in their homes.
• The holiday is more than 3,500 years old.  Dia de los Muertos was at least 3,000 years old when Spanish Conquerors discovered an Aztec celebration that appeared to be mocking death.  During the last 500 years the holiday has been merged with Catholicism, but it maintains the same basic principles.
• At one time, Spaniards attempted to put an end to Dia de los Muertos.  They perceived the holiday as barbaric, and they thought ending it would help convert the natives to Catholicism.  Thankfully for those who celebrate Dia de los Muertos today, their attempts failed.
• Skulls are a huge part of Dia de los Muertos celebrations.  Calacas are wooden skulls worn while dancing in honor of deceased relatives.  A sugar skull with the name of a deceased relative is eaten by a friend or family.

Do something new for Halloween this fall, and take some time to experience another culture.  We do not think you will regret it.  Start getting in touch with Mexican culture by checking out our artist from Mexico, Dalia Pascal.

If you do plan on celebrating Dia de los Muertos, leave a comment and tell us what you are doing.  We cannot wait to hear from you!!