So, the day after Halloween, there’s this OTHER holiday that’s also about ghosts and the underworld. El Dia de los Muertos (aka Day of the Dead) is Mexico’s answer to combining native traditions with a Christian holiday, and it is actually pretty awesome. Don’t believe me? Here are six hardcore facts that make Day of the Dead cooler than Halloween!
Its Bread Comes With A Skeleton Inside
You might have tried “pan de los muertos” delicioso-ness in Spanish class. It’s basically the sugar content of candy plus the irresistibleness of carbs. No, I won’t stop. And sometimes there’s a little skeleton toy inside to reward you for stuffing your face. Also, “dead bread” rhymes; what does “candy corn” do?
It Serves A Purpose
On the Day of the Dead, families gather to spruce up the graves of their loved ones. I think we can all agree that this is something that probably should be done from time to time. On Halloween, hooligans egg houses and adults choose to get lost in mazes made of corn stalks. Which holiday is more productive?
It Came First
El Dia de los Muertos originated from an ancient Aztec celebration that dates back 3000 years. Halloween stems from a Pagan ritual that’s about 2000 years old. By hipster standards, Day of the Dead definitely wins. “Honestly, I’ve been donning skeleton masks since before it became New World.”
You Don’t Have To Worry About Choosing A Costume
It can be seriously stressful trying to come up with a clever, topical, original Halloween costume year after year. With El Dia de los Muertos, there’s no pressure! Sure, you have the option of doing something elaborate, but it’s also totally legit to just slap on some face paint in a standardized pattern and call it a day…er, dia.
Three Days Instead Of One
There’s a little bit of dissent about this one on the Internet (Mexican Smoshers, help me out!) but according to some sources, Day of the Dead actually consists of three (3!) days of partying. Halloween is technically just the one. Waiting for the Adam Sandler song about this one.
It’ll Help Us Prepare For The Zombie Apocalypse
El Dia de los Muertos is about honoring and celebrating death. Halloween is all like, booo, death is scary. In the event of the inevitable zombie apocalypse, from a strictly strategic standpoint, el Dia de los Muertos sounds like the more diplomatic approach in dealing with our new overlords.
Which do you prefer, Halloween or el Dia de los Muertos? Why? Let us know in the comments!
