Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday that is celebrated each year from October 31st until November 2nd. The main focus of this holiday is to honor loved ones who have passed away. Day of the Dead is a unique celebration and it should not be confused as a “Mexican version of Halloween”. This is a festive and upbeat event meant to celebrate life and not to drown in sorrow. The belief behind DOTD practices is that spirits return to the world of the living to be with their families. These Dia de los Muertos celebrations have been passed down through many generations, changing slightly each year. A few movies with references to Day of the Dead celebrations include Disney’s Coco and Spectre 007.
Decorations
Elaborately decorated altars are set up in family homes to welcome the spirits of the dead. These altars are not for worshiping but rather a gateway for the spirits to come back to the realm of the living. Altars are adorned with water to quench the spirits thirst, food, cempasuchil flowers, family photos and a candle for each dead relative. Many years ago dead were often buried near the family homes in order to keep ties to their deceased ancestors. These ancestors were believed to still exist on a different plane after death.
Many people visit cemeteries during Day of the Dead ceremonies to decorate graves and spend time there. This time is spent in the presence of their deceased loved ones. The graves are decorated supported by the idea that the spirits of the dead will return there first. Some spend the entire night in the cemetery, making a party of it. There are picnic suppers, music, dancing, talking and drinking that carry on all throughout the night.
Offerings
The dead are welcomed with special foods and things they enjoyed when they were alive. These items are laid on an altar constructed for the spirits in the family home. The spirits consume the essence of the food as well as its aroma. Once the spirits depart, the families consume the food with neighbors and friends in celebration of their loved ones. One of these special foods is called Pan de Muertos. Pan is a special bread made specifically for this time of celebration. Atole, a warm porridge made up of cane sugar, cornflower, cinnamon and vanilla is also a popular offering.
Other popular offerings include Sugar Skulls and Cempasuchil (marigold) flowers. Sugar skulls are painted and adorned with gems to represent the loved ones that have passed. A name is often inscribed on the top of the skull to indicate who it is for. Marigold flowers lend a special fragrance to the alters for the dead. Be sure to check out our blog on marigold flowers here!
Dia de los Muertos celebrations are continuing to change each year and Halloween is becoming more prevalent in the culture. Children are dressing up in costumes to go trick or treating and continuing their DOTD celebrations throughout the days after. Costume contests are now also a popular addition to alter decoration contests in many Hispanic schools.