Día de los Muertos: a Celebration of Life

As we approach November 1^st, the Mexican holiday known as el día de los muertos (day of the dead), many communities will be celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed on. This festive holiday is a time to honor and remember those who have gone before us, while also embracing the cycle of life and death that we all share.

Origin of día de los muertos

Día de los muertos has its roots in ancient Aztec and Mayan traditions, where it was believed that on this day, the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. Families would gather to honor their ancestors and loved ones who had passed away, bringing offerings of food, drink, and other items to help sustain them on their journey.

Today, día de los muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico and in many Latin American communities around the world.

How to celebrate día de los muertos

Although día de los muertos may seem somber or sorrowful, it's actually a time for celebration. Families and friends come together to honor the lives of their loved ones with joy and laughter. They share stories, dance, sing, and feast on delicious foods — all in the spirit of remembering and honoring those who have passed on.

Here are some ways you can observe this holiday:

1. Set up an ofrenda

An ofrenda (altar) is a central part of día de los muertos celebrations.

Decorate your ofrenda with photographs, flowers, favorite foods, and other items that remind you of your late loved ones.

Ofrendas tend to be very elaborate and involved, so we've covered the details in a separate article:

What exactly is an Ofrenda?

A field guide to the centerpiece of Día de los Muertos celebrations.

AddSpanishAddSpanish Team

2. Visit the resting place of late loved ones

Many people visit the resting place of their loved ones on November 1^st to honor them and bring offerings. This might be a cemetery, church, or memorial.

3. Try out traditional clothing

During día de los muertos celebrations, Men wear suits and women wear colorful dresses and skirts, often adorned with flowers and embroidery.

4. Attend parades or gatherings

Many cities host parades and processions to celebrate día de los muertos. Join in the festivities and watch the colorful floats, dancers, and performers.

5. Try some traditional foods

Prepare traditional dishes like pan de muerto (a sweet bread), mole (a rich chocolate sauce), and tamales.

Remembering loved ones

As we celebrate día de los muertos, take a moment to remember your loved ones who have passed on. Whether it's a family member, friend, or someone you've lost recently, honor their memory by sharing stories, looking at photos, or simply taking a moment of silence to reflect on their life.

In Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to refer to loved ones who have passed away as los difuntos or los fallecidos (the departed).

You might also hear the following phrase as a way of expressing condolences:

Traditions and culture are paramount

Día de los muertos is a time to celebrate and remember those who have gone before us, while also embracing the cycle of life and death that we all share. As you observe this holiday, take some time to reflect on the lives of your loved ones, and honor their memories in meaningful ways.

¡Happy día de los muertos!