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Dia de Los Muertos

Halloween has just come and gone, but now there’s another important holiday to take into consideration: El Dia de Los Muertos – otherwise known as The Day of The Dead.

This colourful three-day holiday and celebration begins at midnight on the 31st of October and ends on the 2nd of November with what we know as The Day of The Dead. Although this holiday honours the lives of loved ones who have passed, it is far from ghoulish and sombre – fiestas and humorous celebrations take place to remember the funniest and best parts of deceased relatives’ lives. 

Of course, food plays an important part too! To get you into the spirit, here’s our guide to foods eaten on this special holiday!

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Pan de Muerto

Translated as “Bread of the Dead”, pan de muerto is a type of sweet bread that can be moulded into different shapes and is one of the main elements of an altar.

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Tamales

These are a favourite during Day of The Dead celebrations! These little beauties consist of masa (corn meal dough) and filling, wrapped inside a banana leaf or corn husk. They can be filled with seasoned meats and cheeses. Yum!

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Black Mole (pronounced mole-ay)

Otherwise known as Mole Negro, this complex sauce is usually reserved for this particular holiday and other special occasions, since it requires lots of preparation time. Mole is usually eaten with meat, such as chicken or pork.

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Sweets

Sweets are also eaten during celebrations. Sugar Skulls (or Calaveras de Azucar) are made for altar offerings, though are edible, but not commonly eaten – however, these days sugar skulls made of chocolate can be found.

Other sweets eaten include candied pumpkin cooked with cinnamon and brown sugar, and hot chocolate. Mmm…

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Fruits

During the three days, families visit the graves of loved ones and decorate them with marigolds and fruits such as oranges, bananas and tejocotes, which is a fruit similar to an apple. Nisperos (or loquats) are harvested during this time of year and so remain a popular Day of The Dead fruit.

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