Day of the Dead Honors the Deceased

Here is a glossary of Spanish term used in connection with the Day of the Dead:

• los angelitos — literally, little angels; young children whose spirits return
• la calaca — a skeleton figure representing death, similar to the Grim Reaper
• el calavera — a reckless fellow
• la calavera — skull
• la calaverada — crazy, foolish behavior
• el difunto — the departed
• la hojaldra — a bread for the Day of the Dead
• la ofrenda — an offering left for the souls of the dead
• zempasúchitl — the traditional name for the yellow marigolds used to mark a pathway to the altar