Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a two-day holiday celebrated in Mexico, and some other Latin American countries, that reunites the living and the dead. This colorful and vibrant celebration is rich in rituals and expresses the unique and exceptional relationship that individuals have with death and with their ancestors. It’s a distinct spiritual time of the year to gather family members together to reflect and remember departed loved ones. 

While the calendar dates are close to each other, the Day of the Dead is not related to Halloween and the contexts to wear such makeup and costumes are different. Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1 and 2 because these dates are considered to be the days where life on earth and life in the land of the dead are the closest. This is a time when loved ones who have passed-on can come back to appreciate life’s pleasures. Families create ofrendas, or offerings, to honor their departed family members that have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos and the favorite foods and drinks of the departed. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods and join in the celebrations. During Day of the Dead, mourning is exchanged for celebration, and flowers, altars, food, and music are all integral parts of the holiday. Day of the Dead is a happy celebration meant to honor dearly departed loved ones and to appreciate life while we are still part of the living.

Ofrendas (Altars)

Beautifully-decorated altars are set-up in homes or public areas, and photos of departed loved ones are placed. Personal ofrendas usually consist of water, the loved one’s favorite food and drink items, flowers, bread, and other items that celebrate the departed person’s life.

Cempasuchil (Marigolds )

Marigolds are used during Day of the Dead celebrations and are placed on altars and/or burial sites. The Marigold flower is thought to guide the spirits back with their intense color and pungent smell.

Calaveras (Skulls)

The famous skull makeup is a very important visual symbol during Day of the Dead festivities. These are not macabre and are not intended to be disturbing or scary. On the contrary, the skulls are applied to the face using very colorful paint and are meant to represent mortality in a united way. The skulls are cheerful and are often drawn with a smile as to laugh at death itself. They take many forms, such as sugar candies, clay decorations, and face painting.

Papel Picado

Papel picado, or perforated paper, is used during Day of the Dead celebrations by stringing them on altars and in public areas. Ofrendas showcase fire, water, earth, and air, and papel picados represent air on the altar.