A Guide to Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a cherished annual Mexican holiday that honors and celebrates the lives of those who have passed. Despite its name and the abundance of skulls and skeletons, it is a festive occasion filled with joy and remembrance. It’s increased in popularity in the U.S., especially in the West, with many local opportunities to take part.

Families throughout Mexico gather on the Day of the Dead to remember and honor deceased loved ones. They gather at cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, share stories and memories of the departed, and participate in parades and processions. It is believed that on Dia de los Muertos, the spirits of the deceased return to visit their families, where altars called ofrendas serve as a welcoming space for them. The holiday often draws tourists who are enchanted by the bright colors and unique cultural practices.

Creating the Perfect Ofrenda: Honoring Loved Ones

The ofrenda, a special family altar, is the heart of the Día de los Muertos celebration. These altars, whether simple or elaborate, are adorned with photographs, candles, flowers, and personal items that belonged to the departed. As Zuzzette F. explains, "The ofrenda is a mix of emotions: we are grieving and sad, but also happy that our loved ones lived with us and the memories we shared."

Zuzzette, born in Mexico and now living in California, looks forward to this annual tradition. "My daughter was eight when my grandmother died, but as she grows, she learns more about her, what she ate, the books she read, the music she listened to," she says. This sharing of stories helps keep the memory of loved ones alive for younger generations.

To enhance your ofrenda, consider adding candles, photos, and other keepsakes representing your loved ones. These elements honor the deceased and serve as a welcoming space for their spirits.

Candles and Marigolds: Symbols of Light and Life

Candles are a significant part of the ofrenda. Candles symbolize remembrance and hope and are believed to guide the spirits back to the world of the living. Marigolds, known as cempasúchil, are another crucial element believed to attract the souls of the departed. Marigolds' vibrant color and strong scent are thought to guide the spirits to the altar.

Personalizing Your Ofrenda with Mementos and Stories

In addition to candles and marigolds, ofrendas often include the deceased's favorite foods and beverages. Zuzzette shares, "My maternal grandmother liked chocolate, so we always have chocolate, sometimes chocolate sweetbread, on tiny plates on the ofrenda." This personal touch makes the ofrenda unique and deeply meaningful. You can also display personal items such as jewelry, books, or musical instruments that belonged to the deceased, further personalizing the altar.

Celebrating the Dead at Their Resting Places

Some families take the celebration to the gravesite, placing an altar on the loved one’s headstone after cleaning it. This practice is common in Mexico, where family members use marigolds to create a path to the altar for the spirits to follow. These offerings are left throughout the Day of the Dead and collected or consumed the next day, symbolizing the brief return of the departed souls.

Community Celebrations and Altars

While private family altars are common, there are also community ofrendas in public spaces such as schools, parks, and city squares. In Mexico City, the Mega Ofrenda in the Zócalo attracts thousands of visitors, showcasing elaborate altars dedicated to historical figures and beloved community members. Museums and cultural centers also participate by creating unique ofrendas, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the tradition. Artists living in the United States also sometimes create community ofrendas, inviting participation for local residents.

The Meaning of Dapper Skeletons and Satirical Poems

One of the most iconic symbols of Día de los Muertos is La Catrina, a figure of a dapper female skeleton often depicted with an elegant hat. This image was popularized by José Guadalupe Posada, a Mexican artist who used it to satirize the upper-class women of his time. Catrina has become a beloved figure in Day of the Dead celebrations, representing the joy and acceptance of death as a natural part of life.

Another cherished tradition is the creation of Calaveras, satirical poems that humorously reflect on the inevitability of death. These poems are intended to be playful and satirical, often poking fun at public figures such as politicians or entertainers in a way that lovingly suggests they are already "dead," or in other words, not deserving of serious attention. 

Traditional Foods: A Culinary Celebration

Food plays a central role in Día de los Muertos celebrations. “My favorite is pan de muerto (bread of the dead). You can make it at home, buy it at a panaderia, or even at Costco in Mexico. It has hints of orange and cinnamon. My family eats it with hot chocolate,” Zuzzette says. 

Other traditional foods include dulce de calabaza (candied pumpkin), mole (sweet and spicy sauce), and atole (warm, sweet cornmeal drink).

Cultural Respect and Appreciation

Día de los Muertos is a beautiful tradition that honors the memory of loved ones and celebrates the continuity of life. Whether creating a personal ofrenda or participating in community events, this holiday offers a meaningful way to connect with the past and celebrate life. 

Accepting the loss of a loved one does not diminish the warm memories of the time you shared. There are countless ways to honor someone special that is meaningful and authentic for you. We have other ideas on celebration of life parties for your loved one if you want to read more.