The day of the dead is a Mexican holiday that is celebrated on November 1st, it is also called dia de los muertos. This is a special day that is dedicated to the innocent kids that have sadly passed. The 2nd of November is another special day that is dedicated to all of the aunts, uncles, mom, dads, grandmas and grandpas that have passed away. The 27th of November is dedicated to honor past beloved pets.
The day of the dead is a day for kids who have passed away to be remembered in the most beautiful way possible. On this special day, most Mexican families put up an altar called an ofrenda. This ofrenda is often times set at their grave at a cemetery. Ofrendas are set up with flowers, pictures, candles, and even food or anything that the member who passed liked. Often times ofrendas are set up with orange flowers. This orange flower is not a random flower, it’s a special flower that is used to help guide the spirits back to the world with the vibrant color and the scent of the special orange flower. This flower is called the marigold.
A candle will get lit up so the spirits can come and dance with the fire to try to show that they are there with the family. This is a loved and shared moment. The day of the dead is important because families gather around the ofrenda to sing and to most importantly tell wonderful stories about their loved ones who have sadly passed.
El dia de los muertos is filled with happiness, music, dancing, and most importantly the pan de los muertos. This holiday also comes with sugar skulls, tamales, dress up, parades, colorful costumes, and even fun face paint. During the days of the dia de los muertos, adults and kids dress up as skeletons and paint their faces to mimic the skull face of the catrina. The catrina is the symbol of the dia de los mertos.
Interview!!
What went through your head while drawing a picture of the day of the dead?
Janet Gudinez (Junior) – “I wanted to make a piece of art that symbolizes the true meaning of the day of the dead because some people misunderstand what the day of the dead really means.”
How did you feel when you got picked for the artist of the week?
Janet Gudinez (Junior) – “I feel happy that people got the message about what the day of the dead really is about.”
How long did it take you to draw your image for the day of the dead?
Janet Gudinez (Junior) – “It took me about a day or two.”