Day of the Dead — Article Cloze

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Read the article about Day of the Dead and choose the word or phrase that best completes each sentence.

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a colorful and meaningful celebration in Mexico that honors — choose —remembrancereuniondeceased loved ones. It — choose —takes placegatherguide from October 31st to November 2nd. It is considered as a joyful — choose —reunionremembrancefestive occasion with those who have — choose —reconnectpassed awaydeceased .

The — choose —gravesrootscemeteries of Day of the Dead go back to the Aztec civilization. The Aztecs celebrated death as a part of life, believing that on this day, the souls of the dead return to visit their families.

One of the most important traditions during Day of the Dead is the creation of an ofrenda, or — choose —cemeteriesancestral altarfestive occasion .

Families set up these altars in their homes and — choose —gravesrootscemeteries , — choose —decoratinggatherguide them with photos, favorite foods, and items that belonged to the — choose —reunionremembrancedeceased . These altars are designed to welcome back the souls of loved ones and offer them comfort and — choose —remembrancereunionnourishment during their visit.

People also celebrate by visiting — choose —cemeteriesgravesroots , cleaning them, and leaving food offerings. Families — choose —gathercelebratereconnect to share stories and remember their loved ones with joy rather than sadness.

Common symbols include:

• Sugar skulls: Colorful skulls made from sugar that represent the deceased.
• Marigolds: Bright orange flowers that — choose —guidefocusesdecorating spirits back to their families.
• Candles: — choose —decoratingguideLit candles to help spirits find their way home.

In cities like Mexico City, there are big — choose —paradesfloatscostumes with colorful — choose —paradesfloatsskeletons , music, and dancing. People dress up in bright — choose —costumesskeletonsparades and paint their faces to look like — choose —costumesfloatsskeletons .

The Day of the Dead is often compared to Halloween because they are at the same time of year. However, Halloween — choose —guidefocusescelebrate on scary and spooky elements, while the Day of the Dead celebrates life and — choose —reunionnourishmentremembrance . It is a — choose —reunionfestive occasionfright filled with color and joy rather than — choose —frightfestive occasionremembrance .

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a time for families to — choose —reconnectcelebrategather with their past, — choose —reconnectgathercelebrate life, and honor those who have passed away.