Every year on November 1st and 2nd, Mexico comes alive with color, music, and traditions to celebrate one of the most incredible holidays on the planet: El Día de los Muertos . Unlike other cultures where death is often a subject of sadness, in Mexico it is greeted with joy and respect. This holiday, declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a vibrant tribute to the deceased, a time when families come together to remember and celebrate their lost loved ones.
The millennial origins of Día de los Muertos
This celebration has its roots in pre-Hispanic traditions, long before the arrival of Spanish settlers. The Aztecs, Mayans, and other Mesoamerican civilizations considered death as an integral part of the cycle of life. For them, death was not an end, but a transition to another world. On Día de los Muertos, it is believed that the souls of the deceased temporarily return to earth to visit their families and receive offerings.
November 1st is dedicated to the "Angelitos" , the souls of deceased children, while November 2nd is reserved for adults. These two days are marked by an explosion of rituals and symbols that pay tribute to the departed while celebrating life.
Altars and ofrendas: a bridge between worlds
The heart of Día de los Muertos is the creation of altars where families make ofrendas (offerings) to welcome the spirits of the deceased. These altars are often beautifully decorated and filled with objects that had special meaning to the departed. Here are some common elements:
- Photos of the deceased : Placed in the center of the altar, they pay tribute to those who have left.
- Calaveras (skulls) : Made of sugar, ceramic or chocolate, these colorful skulls symbolize mortality, but also the joyful acceptance of death.
- Cempasúchil : These orange marigold flowers are ubiquitous. Their bright color and scent are said to guide souls back to their families.
- Food and Drink : The deceased's favorite foods and drinks are often placed on the altar. Among them is the pan de muerto (bread of the dead), a sweet bread decorated for the occasion.
- Candles and incense : They light the path of the spirits and purify the atmosphere.
Altars are not just a silent tribute. They are often the center of a family gathering where stories are told, meals are shared, and the memory of the deceased is celebrated in a spirit of joyful communion.
Calacas and Calaveras: the art of laughing at death
During Día de los Muertos, calacas (skeletons) and calaveras (skulls) are everywhere, but rather than inspiring fear, they are colorful, smiling, and carry an essential lesson: death is a part of life. One of the most iconic figures is La Catrina , an elegant skeleton woman dressed in a dress and hat. Created by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, La Catrina symbolizes that, rich or poor, death affects us all equally.
These images remind us that death is not to be feared, but to be accepted with grace and humor.
A party in the cemeteries
Another highlight of Día de los Muertos is the visit to cemeteries. Families gather to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers , candles , and personal items . Sometimes, this vigil turns into a full-fledged celebration with music, shared meals, and prayers. Families connect with the souls of their deceased, creating an atmosphere of celebration rather than mourning.
A celebration that has become global
Over the years, Día de los Muertos has spread far beyond Mexico’s borders. Many Latino communities, especially in the United States, now celebrate the holiday with processions, public altars, and cultural events. The popularity of the celebration has also been amplified by films like Pixar’s Coco , which beautifully captures the spirit of the holiday and its traditions.
Despite its global reach, the Day of the Dead retains its essence: a celebration of love, memory, and the indissoluble bond between the living and the dead.
Día de los Muertos is more than just a commemoration of the dead. It is a celebration of life, a reminder that death is part of the journey, and that the memories of loved ones live on within us. With its vibrant colors, meaningful rituals, and joyful spirit, this holiday reminds us that beyond the sadness of loss, there is the beauty of memory and the eternal connection between the living and the dead.
We are only truly dead when we are forgotten.