Learn Spanish Vocabulary for El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead
Timing Of The Holiday
The Day of the Dead, or el Día de los Muertos, is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated throughout much of Latin America and in parts of the United States. The celebration extends for several days, from October 31 through November 2, and is focused around rites and activities that are believed to welcome back the spirits of the deceased for a time of visiting.
Essential Vocabulary
There are many unique objects, ceremonies and foods that make up the ceremonies and beliefs that are part of the Día de los Muertos. This following list of words and phrases comprises some of the important Spanish vocabulary that you should know if you plan to celebrate the Day of the Dead, or if you simply wish to understand it better:
Click for a downloadable, printable list of Spanish vocabulary for el Día de los Muertos
el alfeñique - the special cooked sugar paste used to form skulls, flowers and other figures for the Día de los Muertos.
el altar de la ofrenda - the altar of the offering
elaltar de muertos - the offering prepared for the deceased
el angélito -the little angel (used to refer to the soul of a child)
el arco -the arch (sometimes placed on the grave or on the altar)
el ataúd - the coffin
el atole - the hot drink made of corn, water and fruit flavorings
la calaca en papel maché -the paper maché figure
el candelero -the candlestick
las calacas -the skeletal figures that represent death
la calavera -the skull
las Calaveras - the songs and poems written about the festival
la calavera de azúcar - the sugar skull
las caretas - the masks worn to scare off the spirits at the end of the celebration
las catrinas - the skeletons, dressed like rich women, who represent death
el cementerio - the cemetery
el cempasúchil (cempazúchil) -the Mexican marigold
el flor de muertos -the flower of the dead (another name for the cempsúchil)
el copal - the incense
**la cruz -**the cross
la danza de los viejitos - the dance of the old people (a humorous dance in which the dancers wear masks of old people)
el Día de los Muertos - the Day of the Dead
el Día Todos los Santos - All Saints’Day
el esqueleto -the skeleton
los dulces -the candies
las flores -the flowers
los gollettes - the doughnut-shaped breads, with pink sugar on them, that are placed on the altar
la guitarra -the guitar
la iluminación -the illumination (the ceremony in the cemetery, during which hundreds of lit candles are thought to guide the deceased souls to their altars)
los mariachis -the Mexican musicians
la mariposa -the butterfly
la máscara -the mask
el mole - the thick sauce made from chilis, sesame seeds, spices, chocolate and fruit (a food typically eaten for this holiday, as well as many other special days)
la Noche de Duelo -the night of sorrow (November 1)
las ofrendas - the offerings
el pan de los muertos -the bread of the dead
el papel picado - the paper cut-out
los serapes - the Mexican blankets
el tambor - the drum
Todos Santos - All Saints, the religious holiday that extends from October 31- November 2
la tumba -the grave