It’s Not “Mexican Halloween”

While it often gets lumped together with Halloween because of the timing, Day of the Dead is a completely different celebration. It’s not about scares or monsters–it’s a celebration of life and death where families remember and honor their loved ones who have passed. The idea is that during these two days—November 1st (Día de los Inocentes, or Day of the Innocents) and November 2nd (Día de los Muertos)—the spirits of the deceased return to the world of the living to reunite with their families. Far from being spooky, it’s a time of joy, reflection, and connection. Remember the Disney movie “Coco”?

The Roots Go Back to the Aztecs

The tradition of honoring the dead goes back thousands of years, long before Spanish colonization. The Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica held month-long celebrations honoring the deceased, presided over by the goddess Mictecacihuatl, known as the “Lady of the Dead.” These early celebrations blended with Catholic practices introduced by the Spanish colonists, giving birth to the modern version of Día de los Muertos we know today.

Ofrendas Are More Than Just Decorations

One of the most iconic aspects of Day of the Dead is the ofrenda, or altar, built in honor of the departed. But it’s more than just a decorative element. The ofrenda is made with items that are significant to the person being remembered, including their favorite foods, drinks, personal items, and photographs. You’ll also find marigolds (called cempasúchil), candles, and incense. These items are meant to guide the spirits back to the world of the living and make them feel welcomed. Each detail on the ofrenda is a meaningful symbol, from the light of the candles to the fragrance of the flowers. Isn’t that beautiful?

Sugar Skulls Represent the Cycle of Life

You’ve likely seen colorful sugar skulls (called calaveras) associated with the Day of the Dead. These skulls are often intricately decorated with bright colors and patterns, symbolizing the sweetness of life and the acceptance of death as a natural part of the human experience. They’re not just for decoration, either—they’re often placed on ofrendas or given as gifts with the name of a loved one written on the forehead, symbolizing the loved one's presence during the celebration.

It’s a National Holiday in Mexico

While Día de los Muertos is celebrated in various forms across Latin America, it’s such an important part of Mexican identity that it’s been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 2008. Many parts of Mexico declare public holidays on November 1st and 2nd, and schools, businesses, and government offices often close to allow families time to prepare and celebrate the holiday together. Parades, street festivals, and public ofrendas are common, creating a vibrant, communal atmosphere.

Food Plays a Huge Role

Food is a massive part of Day of the Dead celebrations, with families cooking traditional dishes to place on their ofrendas and share with each other. Some of the most popular offerings include pan de muerto (a sweet, sugary bread topped with bone-shaped decorations), tamales, and mole. These foods aren’t just meant to feed the living; they’re prepared as a feast for the returning spirits, who are believed to enjoy the essence and aroma of the food, even if they can’t physically eat it.

The Marigold Is the Flower of the Dead

If you’ve ever seen photos of the Day of the Dead, you’ve probably noticed the overwhelming presence of bright orange and yellow marigolds. Known as cempasúchil in Mexico, these flowers are believed to guide spirits back to the world of the living with their vibrant color and strong scent. You’ll find marigold petals scattered across paths, leading from graves to homes, and decorating ofrendas to light the way for the dead.

Catrinas Are a Symbol of Death and Rebirth

The elegant skeleton figure known as La Catrina is another widely recognized symbol of Día de los Muertos. Created by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, La Catrina was originally a satirical figure mocking Mexico’s upper class. Over time, she’s become a symbol of death and rebirth, representing the idea that no matter who you are in life—rich, poor, young, or old—death is the great equalizer. Today, you’ll see La Catrina’s iconic image in parades, face paintings, and art, embodying the playful acceptance of death.

Visiting Graves Is a Key Tradition

For many Mexican families, visiting the graves of their loved ones is a central part of the celebration. Families clean and decorate the gravesites with marigolds, candles, and personal items belonging to the deceased. Some families even spend the night at the cemetery, sharing stories, playing music, and enjoying the favorite foods of their loved ones. It’s not a somber event—it’s filled with laughter, storytelling, and a sense of closeness to the departed.

It’s a Time to Celebrate Life, Not Mourn Death

While death is at the center of Día de los Muertos, the holiday is really about celebrating life. It’s an opportunity to honor the lives of those who have passed, remember their stories, and keep their memories alive. The Day of the Dead isn’t a time of sadness! It’s filled with color, music, laughter, and family, and it’s a beautiful reminder that while death is inevitable, love and memory are eternal.

Day of the Dead is a truly unique celebration that highlights the beauty of life, the importance of family, and the rich cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. So, while the marigolds bloom and the candles burn, remember: Día de los Muertos is all about celebrating the connections that transcend life and death.