El Dia de Los Meurtos can be classified as a religious ceremony commemorating the lives of the deceased. It is celebrated in many other areas in Central and South America other than Guatemala with a predominate population of Latino people. It is also celebrated in areas of the United States where Mexican/American heritage exists. The Day of the Dead is classified as a religious celebration due to the fact that it is an official holiday on the Catholic Calendar. All Souls Day is on November 2 following All Saints Day. The choice of date can be originally credited to St. Odilo. His influence and desire to follow the example of the city of Cluny by demonstrating offerings as well as special prayers on the day following the feast of All Saints Day. (Day of the Dead) This day was established to honor all deceased and provide them with offerings, appreciation, and celebration. There are three Masses that are exercised by the clergy to aid in the transition of the deceased souls from Purgatory to Heaven.

The Day of the Dead is an old indigenous belief that was at one point threatened by the Spanish as they attempted and failed to suppress the tradition of the beliefs associated with this important celebration. Due to Catholicism being the most popular and wide spread religion in Guatemala , it is believed that all the souls of the deceased will move on to either heaven, purgatory, or hell. The actual celebration and festivities incorporated with this three-day celebration are generally festive and family oriented although it is taken and practiced very seriously as well. Generally, the more rural and Indian of an area within Guatemala the more religious and spiritual the celebration is. This refers to many of the outskirt villages and communities that continue to practice more ancient customs and beliefs. In contrast, in the city and more urban areas in Guatemala the more festive and celebration oriented the event is.

This celebration constitutes a great cultural significance within the Latin community worldwide. Mainly there is a strong existence of social structure and religious realms within the rich and tradition-filled celebration. Catholicism is the predominate religion practiced throughout Guatemala . Therefore the idea of death carries a strong importance and ceremonial quality to many of the Guatemalan people. This emphasis and immense tradition of the memory of deceased relatives results in the vast importance put on The Day of the Dead.

Religiously, the importance is shown through the belief that the souls of the deceased travel on to one of either heaven, purgatory, or hell( Day of the Dead). Symbolism is exaggerated in the use of altars, offerings, prayor, and items such as skulls. In villages and areas where the people are considered to live by more Indian- influenced and traditional ideals, there is a heightened importance and emphasis put of the religious and spiritual aspects of the celebration(Linton).

An ultimate sense of respect is shown to each individual in a unique way. In the more urban areas of Guatemala , the offering to each individual become more festive and celebratory. This shows the social importance/realm demonstrated in this celebration. On each of the days during this celebration a different category of the deceased are celebrated. On October 28 th those who died in a violent way like victims of accidents, homicides, or suicide are celebrated. On the 29 th the people who died un-baptized are remembered followed by the children who died baptized on the 31 st . On the final day, November 1 st , the adults that do not fit into the previous categories are then celebrated. The children who die baptized are believed to instantly become angels (angelitos ) upon their death. On the 31 st these “angelitos” are believed to return to the graves and then leave on November 1 st . This is when the adult spirits are believed to return to this world. (Day of the Dead)

The way in which the deceased previously lived their lives directly correlates and determines how their friends and family decorate their altar and exercise the celebration at their grave. If the person liked to smoke or drink a lot, then the families place offerings like shot glasses or a pack of cigarettes. If they enjoyed candy or a special food item, then it would be placed on the altar too. If they participated in certain activities such as gambling or fishing, a small plastic skeleton engaged in their activity would be put on the tomb of the altar.

There are many culturally important ideals that are expressed symbolically, literally, and are hidden during this elaborate time of memory and respect. The Day of the Dead as a whole has an ancient history dating back to the time of the Aztecs. Therefore this celebration has experienced and come to evolve greatly due to the mergence and influence from different parts of the world. In Guatemala there are signs of both. This is due to the syncretism from European ( Spaniards) and Indian cultures practicing this celebration.(Day of the dead)(Linton). It has created a kind of cultural fusion in the way that it is celebrated throughout different regions within the country. Therefore this celebration is full of cultural expression and reinforcement depending on where you are within the country and what group of people you examine.