Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2. The holiday is meant to remember friends and family who have passed away. These aren't days of mourning, but rather days of celebration to honor the lives of loved ones.
Though the celebrations take place just a day apart and share some customs (costumes and sweet treats), it's important to remember that Dia de los Muertos is not a "Mexican Halloween" but rather its own unique holiday rooted in ancient cultural traditions.
Even if Dia De Los Muertos is not part of our culture we can honor and respect this day by learning all about the holiday and its traditions. Here are just a few fun facts about Dia De Los Muertos.
Two Days of Celebrations
Dia De Los Muertos celebrations actually span two days. Tradition states that during this time those who have passed away are able to once again visit the land of the living. While it is said that all departed souls may visit on November 2, the souls of children who have passed away are actually able to cross into the land of the living a day early. As such, November 1 is also known as Dia De Los Inocentes (innocents) or Dia De Los Angelitos (little angels).
La Ofrenda
The ofrenda (altar) is inarguably the most important aspect of the traditional Dia De Los Muertos Mexican celebration. During Dia De Los Muertos families with loved ones who have passed will established altars meant to guide and honor their spirits. Sometimes these altars are established at cemeteries at the headstones of lost relatives, but these altars can also be established within the home. These altars consist of pictures of those who have passed away as well as some of their belongings or mementos. The altars are then decorated with colorful paper, traditional food offerings, candles, and Mexican Marigolds (a seasonal flower with a bright color and powerful scent). These joyful altars are said to guide the spirits home with their bright colors and delicious smells.
Sugar Skulls & Sweet Bread
Some other very recognizable elements of Dia De Los Muertos celebrations are the tasty sweets. Like most holidays around the world food plays a special part in Dia De Los Muertos. Colorfully decorated sugar sculptures in the shape of skulls have become recognizable the world over for their association with the Mexican holiday and are also added to family altars as offerings to lost loved ones. Simpler sugar Skulls made from candy or chocolate are often gifted and eaten as special treats during the season too. Pan de Muertos (Bread of the Dead) is another popular pastry during the holiday and is a soft sweet bread, coated in sugar, and decorated to resemble a pile of bones.
Now, there's so much more to learn about Dia De Los Muertos; much more than I can cover here. After all, it's a complex holiday based with history based in ancient cultural traditions. But if you absolutely can't get enough, check out all the awesome Dia De Los Muertos information available at your local Alachua County Library District branch.
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