Songs+and+Dances

**Songs and Music** **by: Katie** Most locals are singing in the cemeteries during this time. Bands with instruments lead the procession to the cemetery. Drums, chimes, and guitars are a big part of the music during this holiday. The music reflects the the tradtions of the culture. Some of the most inspired music is the chanting of the people celebrating.

Some people remember the roots by listening to Aztec and Mayan music.
Dancing Some people also make music-inspired crafts such as calaca (skeleton) shakers, mini-altars, and guitar decorations.Since the Day of the Dead is a celebration rather than a mourning, music and dancing are obviously necessary.


 * [[image:khsdayofthedead2/granfandango.jpg width="502" height="316" caption="This illustrates the special relationship Mexicans seem to have with death. A laughing, mocking familiarity is embodied in the portrayal of grinning paper mache skeletons preforming life's every day tasks. Here, dancing on someones grave represents reaching out to the dead, a reunion in the most festive spirit."]] || One of the popular dances that originated from the state of Michoacan is La Danza de los Viejitos (the dance of the little old men). Young men dress up as old men for this dance. They walk about crouched over and holding their backs, then suddenly jump up and start dancing about with great enthusiasm. ||
 * La Danza de los Tecuanes (the dance of the tigers/jaguars) is a colonial dance that illustrates farm workers while other dancers represent the devil and the jaguars or tigers. || [[image:khsdayofthedead2/Day%20of%20the%20Dead%20036_crop.jpg width="488" height="325" align="right" caption="Ballet de San Juan Diego is preforming a traditional Mexican dance in front of a large audience as a traditional Day of the Dead celebration."]] ||