Though called the “Day of the Dead,” this yearly event actually covers around two days starting midnight on Oct. 31 and going through Nov. 2.
Those celebrating believe that at midnight on Oct. 31, the gates of heaven are opened and the spirits of deceased children return for 24 hours. This allows them to reunite with their families, if even for a small time. On Nov. 2, the spirits of deceased adults return to Earth for 24 hours.
Sugar skulls are a very iconic piece of these festivities and are individually decorated with flowers, crosses, swirls, vines and more. They can be eaten but they are traditionally used to decorate the resting places of a family’s deceased loved ones. These can also be found on altars made for the decease to have a sugary sweet while they are visiting.
There are many traditions that surrounding this holiday. Click here for more information.
