Brazil
What day do Brazilians visit cemeteries to honor the dead?
All Souls’ Day (Dia de Finados)
What is Mexico’s most famous holiday for honoring the dead?
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
What is the Lithuanian name for the day when people honor the dead?
Vėlinės
What is the Latvian term for the time of honoring the dead?
Veļu laiks
What is Bolivia’s main celebration for the dead called?
Día de los Difuntos (Day of the Deceased)
What do many families do to honor loved ones on this day in Brazil?
They clean graves and bring flowers or candles.
What colorful decorative objects are placed on altars during Día de los Muertos?
Sugar skulls, marigolds, papel picado banners.
What do families typically do in cemeteries on Vėlinės?
Light candles and visit graves of loved ones.
How do Latvians traditionally honor the spirits during Veļu laiks?
By leaving food and drinks for the spirits.
What do Bolivians prepare to honor the returning souls?
Tables with food, drinks, and bread figures (t’antawawas).
What is a common religious practice associated with Dia de Finados?
Praying for souls
What is the purpose of an ofrenda?
It’s an altar offering food, photos, and items to welcome spirits.
What time of year is associated with Vėlinės?
Late autumn (November 1–2)
When is Veļu laiks usually celebrated?
In autumn, November 2nd.
What unique tradition happens on November 8 in La Paz?
The Ñatitas festival, where people honor skulls decorated with flowers.
How do Brazilians use food traditions to honor deceased loved ones during Dia de Finados?
Prepare the favorite foods of their deceased relatives and share them together after visiting the cemetry.
Which two Catholic dates does Día de los Muertos coincide with? (The day and the name of the day)
All Saints’ Day (Nov 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov 2)
What is the older, name for this period of honoring souls?
Vėlių laikas or Vėlių metas
What do families believe happens when they invite spirits during Veļu laiks?
The spirits visit their former homes and bless the living.
What belief about death influences these traditions?
That the spirits return to visit the living once a year.
Which traditional Brazilian dance is sometimes performed to celebrate life during memorial gatherings in Afro-Brazilian communities?
Samba de Roda - traditional circle samba whilst following the music.
What role do marigold petals play in Día de los Muertos celebrations?
They are believed to guide the spirits back home with their bright color and strong scent.
Why do Lithuanians visit not only family graves but also abandoned graves during Vėlinės?
To show respect to forgotten souls so no spirit is left without remembrance.
What traditional food is sometimes left out during Veļu laiks to welcome ancestral spirits?
Bread, porridge, beer.
What is the name of the decorated bread figures used in Bolivian Day of the Dead altars?
T’antawawas - bread shaped like a baby.