The term for deceased children remembered in Day of the Dead traditions is “los angelitos,” meaning “the little angels.”
In many Mexican communities, November 1 is associated especially with children who have died, while November 2 traditionally honors deceased adults. Families may prepare a separate ofrenda with toys, sweets, fruit, candles, and other items associated with a child’s life. The language reflects a Catholic-influenced belief that children who die are innocent and become angelic figures.
A common mix-up is confusing los angelitos with los difuntos. Los difuntos simply means “the deceased,” and can refer to dead people generally; it is not specifically the traditional term for dead children. Los abuelos means “the grandparents,” while los padrinos means “the godparents.”
The holiday itself blends Indigenous Mexican practices with Catholic observances such as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Local customs vary, but the distinction between children’s and adults’ commemorations remains widespread.