Day of the Dead Glossary

Altar de Muertos
The offering that the family sets for their dead relatives. 
Arco
Decorated arch sometimes placed on the graves or on the altar de muertos.
Calaca
A skeleton figure representing death. 
Calavera
Sugar skulls prepared for the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Calaverada
 Tomfoolery. 
Calaverear
To ask for food from the ofrenda.
This takes place after 10 P.M. November 2nd when the Dead Adults have already “left”. 
Catrina
José Guadalupe Posada’s icon of death. A calaca or calavera, opulently dressed. Catrín or Catrina means: a wealthy man or woman, it is said in a sarcastic manner.  Diego Rivera also painted La Catrina on his mural Un Domingo en la Alameda.  
Cempazuchitl
Yellow marigold that, since pre-Columbian times, symbolizes death, also called Cempasuchil or zempasuchitl. 
Ceras
Candles used for the altars and the graveyard to illuminate the way for the defunct relatives. 
Difunto (s)
Defunct  dead loved ones
El Día de Difuntos or Día de los Muertos
Day of the Dead  
Golletes          
A doughnut shaped bread, glazed with pink colored sugar which symbolizes the cycle of life and death. 
Iluminación
The ceremony that takes place in the graveyard, when hundreds of candles are lighted to guide the souls. 
Pan de Muerto
Sweetbread made for the Festival of the Dead. 
Panteón
Cemetery, graveyard.
 Papel Picado
Cut tissue paper for decorations.  
Plaza de Difuntos
In some regions of Mexico, a special market is set or opened on October 31st, where people can buy everything they need for the Day of the Dead celebrations. This market is open from dawn till midnight October 31st. 
Los angelitos
The young children who have died and who are remembered on the feast of All Saints' Day on November 1st. 
Ofrenda
Offerings set out for the returning souls. 
Rosquete
Pink sweet bread, in the form of a doughnut, made specially for the Day of the Dead. It symbolizes the life and death cycle. Also called
gollete.
 Día de Todos los Santos
All Saints'Day.  
Zempasuchitl
Day of the Dead flower, also called Cempasuchitl or Cempasuch