WONKA.com Makes Day of the Dead Traditions Come to Life for Hispanic Youth

“During the month of October, Jack-o-lanterns, skeletons and broomsticks often adorn the doors and windows of homes, community centers, schools, museums and arts organizations. In the Mexican-American community, the décor is slightly different, more traditional and the meaning a lot more personal. One example is the Dí de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altars built in honor of departed relatives, musicians, artists, cultural heroes or leaders. These often feature the favorite belongings or legacy of the deceased, as well as sugar skulls and other sweets. While every altar is unique, all have the spirit of the festive holiday in mind: to celebrate the person’s life and contribution.

Who said that altars can’t adorn the online space? Wonka.com’s new interactive features allow kids to not only learn more about the Day of the Dead, but take their altar-building talents to the virtual world. Kids will be able to build altars online incorporating virtual WONKA(R) candy and representations of traditional components of Day of the Dead such as sugar skulls and cempasuchil (marigold) flowers.

“We understand the importance of the Day of the Dead holiday to Hispanic youth and their families,” said Elizabeth Vanemburg, marketing manager of WONKA. “We want to encourage kids to observe, learn more about the holiday and participate in the altar-building tradition on Wonka.com. No experience is necessary. All you need is a bit of imagination and access to a computer.”

Kids 16 and younger can submit their online altar for a chance to win a laptop computer, mp3 player and a $100 gift card to download music, as well as $120 toward Internet access. No purchase necessary. Must be legal US resident, 16 or younger. Visit www.Wonka.com for more details and official sweepstakes rules. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on 11/4/2007.

About Dí de los Muertos
Day of the Dead is a Pre-Columbian holiday traditionally observed in Mexico on Nov. 1 and 2. The holiday focuses on honoring loved ones who have passed away by celebrating their lives. Homemade altars are made featuring items that brought happiness to the individual. Sugar skulls, candies, photographs, papel picado, candles, incense, and marigold flowers often decorate these altars. Today, altars have evolved to include celebrities, musicians, artists, and even pets.

About Nestlé
Named one of “America’s Most Admired Food Companies” in Fortune magazine for the tenth consecutive year, Nestlé USA provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day. WONKA(R) fun treats include innovative, unusual, and unconventional candies: SWEETARTS(R) , NERDS(R) , RUNTS(R) , LAFFY TAFFY(R) , LIK-M-AID(R) FUN DIP(R) and more. From fun confections to nutritious meals Nestlé USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich the very experience of life itself. That’s what “Nestlé. Good Food, Good Life” is all about. Nestlé USA, with 2006 sales of $8.5 billion (includes Nestlé Nutrition), is part of Nestlé S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland ”” the world’s largest food company ”” with sales of $79 billion. For product news and information, visit Nestleusa.com or NestleNewsroom.com. “

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