What is the difference between Halloween and Day of the Dead?
Halloween and Day of the Dead are frequently confused since Day of the Dead is the day after Halloween. Baby’s spirits return to their parent’s home on November 1 and the spirits of dead adults return home November 2. Cemetery celebrations occur during these days too depending on the traditions of the town or village. Day of the Dead is a synchronistic blend of pre-Conquest pagan rituals and the Catholic celebrations called All Souls and All Saint’s Day. Although it’s roots are Catholic, it has become a cultural event more than a religious holiday. The Mexican official national holiday is taken November 2. What is important to remember is that Day of the Dead is a beautiful, spiritual family holiday to honor the memory of dead relatives. It’s not really the memory of their death but spending time thinking about and feeling the essence of their life. It’s a bonding time and respectful time that brings generations together within a family and the entire community. Continuance of these an
