Facts about Day of the Dead Celebrations

1. 05

   The sugar skull, or calavera, is a distinctive Day of the Dead Celebrations craft traditionally made from granulated sugar molded into skull shapes and decorated with bright icing.

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2. 04

   Marigolds, known in Mexico as cempasúchil, are used during Day of the Dead Celebrations because their strong scent is believed to guide spirits back to the living world.

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3. 03

   UNESCO added Day of the Dead Celebrations to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2008.

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4. 02

   Altars called ofrendas are central to Day of the Dead Celebrations, decorated with marigold flowers, photos of the deceased, food, and candles to guide spirits home.

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5. 01

   Celebrated on November 1 and 2, Day of the Dead Celebrations blend indigenous Aztec traditions with Catholic influences brought by Spanish colonizers.

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