Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, has long been known as a vibrant and deeply meaningful Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2, with roots that extend far into ancient history. It’s a time when families come together to honor, remember and celebrate their deceased loved ones. Far from a somber affair, Day of the Dead is lively—a celebration filled with bright colors, music and food. It serves as a reminder that death is a part of life and that those who have passed will always remain connected to the living.
Día de los Muertos has its origins in the traditions of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs, Maya and Nahua people. For these civilizations, death was not the end but a transition into a new phase. Many indigenous groups believed in an afterlife and that their deceased ancestors could return to visit the living once a year. The Aztecs, for example, held celebrations to honor the goddess Mictecacihuatl, the “Lady of the Dead,” in rituals that spanned an entire month dedicated to death and the departed.
Following the Spanish conquest, Catholic traditions began merging with indigenous beliefs. The Catholic All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) were adapted to fit the native customs.
As someone who grew up in the Catholic church, the tradition of All Saints’ Day was always celebrated in my family’s household. Our church would host annual festivities, including a parade with members of the church dressing up as various saints. The Catholic church believes all of our loved ones who have arrived in Heaven are now Saints in Heaven, thus celebrating them every year on November 1st.
As for Day of the Dead, traditions will vary by region and family customs, but several key elements are generally observed. These include setting up elaborate altars called ofrendas in their homes or at graveyards to honor the deceased. It also calls for graveside celebrations as well as attending parades dressed in costumes and face paint.
Personally, my family would honor our loved ones by respecting their memory and praying for their souls to be welcomed in Heaven, that they have been received by other loved ones who have previously departed, and that their souls are at peace. My family would also honor them by setting up a mantle to honor their memory—a picture of them alone and another picture of them with other family members. The goal is to create a space evoking happy, nostalgic memories. We would place items of their liking, such as a cup of coffee, a pastry or fruit, favorite flowers, or any item that they enjoyed when they were alive on earth. Most importantly, we place a religious candle to begin prayer for their souls. We pray to them to let them know how much we continue to remember them, how important they were in our lives, and that they will always be alive in our hearts.
While Día de los Muertos remains deeply connected to its indigenous and Catholic roots, the holiday has evolved in modern times. In 2008, the holiday was inscribed in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This initiative helped spread awareness and appreciation of this tradition worldwide.
Globally, more and more people have begun celebrating Día de los Muertos as they appreciate its unique approach to death, since it blends remembrance with celebration. Films like “Coco” have sparked interest in Mexican customs among international audiences.
Today, Día de los Muertos is not only a cultural holiday; it also serves as a reminder of the importance of family, remembrance and respect for those who came before us. It fosters connection across generations, inviting individuals to find joy in remembrance, celebrate life, and honor the continuum between life and death.
