El Dia De Los Muertos Research Paper

I always recall this one time I visited Mexico on the 31st of October. I have always imagined there would be ghost plastered on windows, skeletons scattered on lawns, spiderwebs everywhere, and kids running around in costumes smelling like a candy store. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Instead I found streets covered in colorful paper flags with skeletons patterns cut into them, skulls painted with bright welcoming colors with blooming flowers painted on them, and I also saw beautiful skeletons. The difference between the skeletons in Mexico were that they were dressed so elegantly, they had a presence of importance as if their clothing had some symbolism behind it, and they looked welcoming and not fearful. The streets had bouquets of flowers all aligned on the floor, there were tables with huge plates of food on them, and pictures of people over the foods and tables. What I didn't know was that Mexico doesn’t celebrate Halloween. They celebrate a uniquely special tradition, known as El Dia De Los Muertos. An important tradition that I feel is underrated and is so beautiful that it has a life of its own.

I was just six years old. My mother told me that it translates to “The Day of the Dead”. As the day went on I learned a lot about the holiday. I learned that the holiday is annual and is celebrated through out three days. I use to think it was a holiday celebrated worldwide, but with time learned it was a Mexican holiday. A holiday strongly celebrated more prevalent in Central and Southern Mexico. I remember asking my mom, “How come other countries celebrate the Day of the Dead?” Her response was, “Many countries have their own thing, Mexico having the Day of the Dead makes it a special tradition to