Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead or All Souls’ Day)
The Day of the Dead is a Mexican tradition that dates back to pre-Hispanic times when the Nahua, Aztec, and Toltec people considered mourning the dead disrespectful. Instead, they celebrated their journey to the “Mictlan” (a kind of underworld). Death to them was just another phase of life, and the deceased were still a part of the community. During Dia de los Muertos, they returned to visit, enduring an arduous journey, guided by their Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican hairless dog).
Even today, it is a day that reunites the living and the dead. Families get together to celebrate, remember, and pay their respects to their deceased loved ones. During two days, November 1st and 2nd (coinciding with some Catholic feasts), families set “ofrendas” (or altars) at homes or in cemeteries. Not intended for worship, these “ofrendas” are a stop for their loved ones. They can include the relative’s favorite food, drink, or even objects, photos of the deceased, candles, and “cempasúchil” (Mexican marigolds) petals that, along with copal incense, are meant to mark the way for the deceased who are coming back.
Traditional “pan de muerto” (literally bread of the dead) is a staple food for both the dead and the living during this season. Decorated with dough “bones” and covered with sugar and anise, it is everywhere during these festivities, along with sugar skulls and the traditional rhymes called “Calaveritas,” where people make fun of how Death came to take someone because of a (usually) funny reason.
Added in 2003 to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition that has many different manifestations throughout the different regions of the country but that ties together the roots of the Mexican culture and people. Built from pre-Hispanic and religious traditions, the mashup that is today the Dia de los Muertos is a live tradition that keeps us connected to our past in many different ways.
The Mexico Team shared some of their traditions for Dia de Muertos:
“I didn’t do [an ofrenda] until very recently. This one honors my dad, my grandmother, my aunts, and my little cat and dog. I like this tradition a lot. I like honoring them and feeling like they are still with me every day of the year, devote one day to thinking of them, missing them, crying and being grateful for the time I did have with them.” - Alexis Orive, Publisher Success Manager
“Here is the picture of my altar. I do it for my grandparents on my Mother’s side and my kitten. My grandparents taught me how they created their altar for their ancestors, and now I continue their tradition” -Fujiko Yamasaki, Campaign Manager
“This is the first one we do as a couple, Serch [my partner] and myself, together. This one is dedicated to our grandparents, uncles and friends” - Eva Hernández, Campaign Manager“
This one is dedicated to Hannah, our little Chihuahua. We had to say goodbye to her last month, so this is the first time my husband and I have done an “ofrenda” for a loved one. It is so special to be able to remember and celebrate both life and death in such a colorful and uniquely Mexican way.” - Bereth Galicia, Sr. Manager, Campaign Management
“I made this ofrenda/altar for my family (humans and dogs). I love this tradition because I can remember great moments with them❤️” -Victoria Aleman, Interactive Designer
“For me, I put this [ofrenda] for my grandmother and my dog-son.” - Jaime Hoyos, Solutions Engineer
“This year I didn’t set an “ofrenda” but I went early to the cemetery to bring flowers to my grandparents because if not, the place gets crowded later!” -Miguel Salcido, AdOperations Specialist
“This year’s ofrenda” - Marcos Anguiano, Senior Java Engineer
Every year my family decorates my grandmother's house with an "ofrenda" with photos of our relatives and pets who are no longer with us physically. We always try to get together to talk about our loved ones this time of year. - Selene Cayeros, Ad Operations Specialist