The Days of the Dead

The Days of the Dead is a book about the annual holiday in Mexico, when the spirits of dead relatives awaken and return to the living world for one special day. Family members welcome them back and treat the deceasedThe Days of the Dead is a book about the annual holiday in Mexico, when the spirits of dead relatives awaken and return to the living world for one special day. Family members welcome them back and treat the deceased as honored guests. The living may also build alters, called "ofrendas," in their homes, on which they set out their loved one's favorite foods and the items they will need, for work or play, when they return. On the ofrenda they always display marigolds, the "flower of the dead." On the night before the Days of the Dead, loved ones may go to the gravesites to clean and decorate them. They have a picnic and wait throughout the night to welcome back the spirits of the dead for their special visit. They feast, drink, play, and sing songs.