The holiday Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, honors deceased loved ones. This holiday is typically celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2.
At times festivities begin in late October and extend into November. It is important to keep in mind that this holiday is not a Mexican version of Halloween.
Ofrendas, also known as altars, are built and decorated by families with photos of deceased loved ones from family pets to great grandparents. Additionally, food, drinks, candles and objects are placed onto the ofrendas as a way to remember and honor those that have passed. Marigolds, also known as cempasúchil, are added to and around the ofrendas since they are believed to guide the spirits back to the world of the living.
In addition to the food that is placed on the ofrenda, pan de muerto, a sweet bread, is added to the display and/or even eaten by the living. Eating the bread is an act of remembrance and connection between families and their loved ones.
Apart from the creation of the ofrendas, families will often visit and decorate the graves of loved ones. Spending time with the deceased and celebrating their life and memories of them.
The holiday strives to emphasize that death is part of life’s cycle and that the souls of loved ones can always come back to visit during this time. Día de los Muertos was created with the purpose of celebrating the lives of deceased loved ones by remembering them, sharing stories and welcoming their spirits.
