The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is not a day of mourning. It is a warm, colorful celebration in which families in Mexico, and Mexican communities around the world, welcome the memories of those who have died.
About the Day of the Dead
Celebrations combine Indigenous Mesoamerican beliefs with the Catholic feasts of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, so festivities usually build over the first two days of November. In 2008 UNESCO added the tradition to its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Families build altars called ofrendas, decorated with photographs, candles, the favorite foods of the departed and bright orange marigolds, whose scent is said to guide spirits home. Many also clean and decorate graves, then spend time together at the cemetery, sharing food and stories.
How to celebrate the Day of the Dead
- Bake or buy pan de muerto, the sweet "bread of the dead"
- Set out a photo of someone you miss and share a favorite story about them
- Admire the calacas and calaveras, the playful skeletons and skulls of the season
- Watch Pixar's Coco with the family