A tradition believed to have started in Mexico and Latin American with similar rituals occurring in Spain and as far as New Zealand is now being celebrated throughout the U.S. as well. Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a holiday that blends Roman Catholic rituals with those from Mesoamerican cultures. The memory of dead ancestors is honored believing that their souls visit the living once a year. Officially commemorated on Novembers 2 ( All Souls Day), it is celebrated also on November 1 (All Saints Day).
In the US, while many of the older rituals are followed, new interpretations abound. In Chicago, for instance, Staff Sgt. Juan Arreola honored five fallen Marines when he ran in a 5K Race of Dead in a primarily Mexican neighborhood while mariachi music played and skeleton figures danced to mock death (full story). College classmates in Casper, Wyoming have decorated sugar skulls with colorful frosting and borrowed masked from the International Museum of Arts and Science in McAllen Texas (full story). In Virginia, the Latin Ballet has their own interpretation of the festival. Following ancient customs, the dancers set up an elaborate altar with candles and photos of departed loved ones, skulls and marigolds, . This is used as a backdrop for a dance in which African movement is combined with a modern interpretation of the traditional candlelight vigil (full story).
And in the social media world, tweeps around the world have begun tweeting away about this ancient tradition in their own way.
The origins of the Day of the Dead dates back to pre-Columbian civilizations. It is believed that it may have originated with Aztec celebrations during which they made colorful altars to welcome departed souls home.
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