How to Throw a Dia de los Muertos Party

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:ThrowDialosMuertosParty
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How to Throw a Dia de los Muertos Party

Introduction

Most often observed in Latin countriesa??especially Mexico, Brazil and the Philippinesa??Dia de Los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) is a joyous celebration of deceased ancestors. Curiously enough, this holiday originated with the ancient Aztecs in the first millennium A.D. The Day of the Dead is actually celebrated on 2 days in a rowa??Nov. 1 (All Saints' Day on the Christian calendar) and Nov. 2 (All Souls' Day).

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Stock up on "ofrendasa??a??traditional offerings given to the souls of the deceased. In Latin countries, ofrendas include items a departed soul can use to a??clean upa?? after their long journey from the afterlife. So mix in some small bars of hotel soap and a few washcloths with an assortment of hard candy.
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Step Two

Set up an altar on which guests can place their ofrendas. This doesna??t have to be a fancy affaira??a small table with one or two shelves or boxes piled on top will do just fine.
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Step Three

If youa??re genuinely observing the memory of a departed loved one, place pictures of this person around the altar, as well as small items that remind you of him or her. These can include letters or articles of clothing.
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Step Four

Prepare some traditional Dia de Los Muertos treats. Popular Mexican choices are candy skulls and chocolate coffins. You can buy these sweets at a specialty store or make them at home. If you can't locate a skull or coffin mold, any creepy Halloween mold (ghosts, vampires etc.) is a good second choice.
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Step Five

For atmosphere, build your own headstones out of papier-mache. For a small party, one medium-sized headstone should be enough. If youa??re inviting a lot of people, set up several headstones in your own little a??graveyard.a??
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Step Six

Gather up a selection of Latin music. Remember, despite its name, the Day of the Dead is a very festive and upbeat time. So a spirited Mariachi band is better choice than a slow Spanish balladeer. Dark and moody music is not a great choice either.
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Step Seven

Tell your guests what theya??re celebrating ahead of time. Although ita??s similar, the Day of the Dead isna??t quite the same thing as Halloween. So your friends do not have to dress up in costumes (although ita??s certainly not discouraged, either!).

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Lively Latin music
  • Altar: table and boxes
  • Ofrendas: soaps, washcloths and hard candies
  • Papier-mache headstones
  • Mementos of the deceased
  • Chocolate skulls, coffins, vampires etc.
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