Free Online Spanish Lesson: El Día de los Muertos Posted by Transparent Language on Oct 21, 2015 in For Learners, Learning Material Updates
El Día de los Muertos (more commonly called “Dia de Muertos” in Mexico, or the “Day of the Dead” in English) might sound like a frightful holiday, but don’t mistake it as the Mexican version of Halloween.
The holiday, originating in Mexico and observed to some extent throughout much of the Spanish-speaking world, is actually a family-oriented holiday. Families visit the graves of loved ones, building private ofrendas (altars) to honor the dead, with offerings of calaveras de azucar (sugar skulls), marigolds, and any favorite foods or drinks of the deceased.
Read more about El Día de los Muertos and learn more related vocabulary in this free online Spanish lesson powered by Transparent Language Online.
Users can learn more than one dozen Spanish words and phrases related to the Day of the Dead.
The text is entirely in Spanish with native speaker audio, but also includes an English translation.
Interactive learning activities help learners use the new words and phrases in context.
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Comments:
Diana:
Hi! Great lesson, guys. Just one tiny thing if I may. We Mexicans call it Día de Muertos not Día de los Muertos. That “los” usually found in translations is a pet-peeve of ours.
Transparent Language:
@Diana Ah ha! Thank you, Diana. I had seen both translations and wasn’t sure where the discrepancy was coming from!
Joseph:
@Diana One must remember that the various Latin American Spanish dialects differ from each other and the European Spanish spoken in Spain. Rather than being a pet peeve, maybe the Mexicans should learn to accept and embrace the variations in the language.
a:
@Diana I don’t think that comment was meant negatively. Rather recommending that not one single culture/ region let simple variations become pet peeves or any other negative qualities. Instead as he recommended, simply embrace and accept.
Which I agree. Plus I am Mexican and I do not feel hurt in any way and I also call it “Dia de los Muertos” but once again, different regions, different up bringing’s, different associations. And not one is wrong, which makes culture beautiful.
Allison:
Now, was that truly necessary John. Yours was a very valuable, informative statement right up until you felt the need add that unnecessary personal attack.
Edivia Morales:
Good for you, Allison. It was totally unnecessary!