This article was written by a 6th grader
Five hundred years ago, Mexicans had been practicing a ritual that mocked death. It was a ritual the indigenous people had been practicing for three thousand years. The Spaniards did not like this ritual and eventually tried to destroy it. This became The Day of the Dead.
El Día de Los Muertos, The Day of the Dead, is a Mexican and Mexican-American holiday. This holiday is a celebration of dead ancestors or loved ones and is a way of mocking death or not fearing it. Though this day occurs about the same time as Halloween, El Día de Los Muertos is a much lighter holiday rather than fearing evil or ghostly spirits.
These days, people wear skull masks and dance in honor of their dead ancestors or loved ones during El Día de Los Muertos. Instead of viewing death as the end of life like the Spaniards, Mexicans celebrate death and embrace it. To them, it is a holiday in which people remember other loved ones that have passed away and a way not to fear death.
People in Mexico decorate gravesites with marigolds and candles. Next to the gravesite, they eat the favorite foods of the deceased, bring toys for the dead children, and bring tequila for the dead adults. Also, altars are placed in the house with pictures of their loved ones decorated with candles and flowers. Music is played and celebrations are made. Skull candies are also eaten.
El Día de Los Muertos is a light and enjoyable holiday. This holiday reminds people of loved ones who have died. It is a holiday to mock death. Fortunately, this holiday comes around Halloween, a holiday that fears evil spirits and a holiday that mocks the dead.