Welcome to this handy, little reference page for Coco that Lee put together. Here are some terms used in the movie along with the definitions to further enhance your enjoyment of Pixar’s 2017 Holiday release, Coco.
Be sure to check out our review of Coco and share your opinions with us: MOW #194.
Alebrijes – the spirit guides
Xoloitzcuintli dog – Xolos (pronounced show-low)
Altar de muertos – the offering that family and/or friends prepare for their dead loved ones
Calaveras – songs and poems about the festival
Cempazuchitl – a yellow marigold, the symbol of death, also known as cempasuchil or zempasuchitl
Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead
Día Todos los Santos – All Saints’ Day
Ofrenda – an offering; refers to the goods set out on the altars (this is part of the main plot line whereas you can only visit the world of the living if you have an ofrenda)
Papel picado – colorful tissue paper with intricate, festive designs cut out (you will see this during the opening credits)