10 facts you didn't know about the Day of the Dead

November 2nd is a very important date on the Mexican calendar. It is the day we remember our dearly departed, set up altars, and light candles for those who have passed away. But how much do you know about the origin and mythology of this day? Today we will share some facts you may not know about the Day of the Dead and its folklore. 1.- There are different meanings depending on the day. November 1st is the day when the souls of children return, and November 2nd is the date when the souls of adults come back to their families. Recommended recipe: Pan de muertos 2.- In Nicaragua, families sleep in the graves at the cemetery to accompany their departed on the Day of the Dead. Recommended recipe: Sugar skulls 3.- In Austria and England, a similar day is celebrated on November 2nd, but for them, it is known as the Day of Souls. Recommended recipe: How to make a Day of the Dead altar 4.- The arch that is traditionally placed over the offerings is not just decoration; it represents the portal between life and death. Recommended recipe: Traditional hot chocolate 5.- UNESCO granted the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity to the Day of the Dead in 2003. Recommended recipe: Chicken with mole 6.- The most well-known representation of death during these festivities is La Catrina, created by the Mexican engraver José Guadalupe Posada and named by the painter Diego Rivera. Recommended recipe: Chocolate skulls 7.- According to a UNESCO study, more than 86% of the Mexican population celebrates the Day of the Dead in one way or another. Recommended recipe: Skull cookies 8.- An ideal altar should have 3 levels or tiers, representing hell, earth, and heaven. Recommended recipe: Yolk pan de muerto 9.- Many films by the famous director Tim Burton, such as The Corpse Bride, are based on or inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead. Recommended recipe: Café de olla 10.- Although we think Halloween is very different from the Day of the Dead, the reality is that it has Celtic origins, and Halloween means All Hollow's eve, coming from Old English and literally means eve of all saints. Recommended recipe: Orange pan de muerto