Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead at Botanic Gardens

You know you’re in Denver when it is completely normal to see men, women, and children dressed as skeletons. You could also be in Mexico, where a traditional holiday known as Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is celebrated in remembrance of loved ones passed. You may mistake this holiday for October 31, but whatever you do don’t call it Halloween!

What’s the difference between Día de los Muertos and Halloween?
Día de los Muertos — also known as “Día de Muertos,” or “Day of the Dead” in English — is a holiday with Mexican origins that is celebrated on November 1 – 2. While some imagery might be close to that of Halloween, there are significant differences between the two. Día de los Muertos is a day to celebrate death – or, more specifically, the deceased — while on Halloween, death is seen as something to be feared. Día de los Muertos has both indigenous origins from the Aztec festival for Mictecacihuatl, The Lady of The Dead, and Catholic origins from the Spanish conquistadors’ All Saints and All Souls Day. -Huffington Post

Cultural traditions include stringing marigold flowers, constructing alters, lighting candles, and painting sugar skulls – my favorite! As you can see,Catch Carri and I spent most of our time adding paint to our cranium confections. Successful designs include intricate concentric lines and detailed dots! But no matter your preferred aesthetic, these skulls will welcome your loved ones back to your alter.

It is a family affair at the Denver Botanical Gardens, where you can participate each year in the Day of the Dead traditions. For an inexpensive evening, your family can make paper flowers for your own alter, wear personalized masks or get your face painted like this for your sunset candlelight procession all before the costume contest! It is a busy night, sure to make even the smallest skeletons tuckered out. Your children will be nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of skeletons dance in their heads…