Day of the Dead

As a Latina, I love celebrating Mexican Day of the Dead, as well as the many other countries that celebrate the Day of the Dead. The traditions, symbols and ideologies surrounding this colorful holiday prompts us to create a living legacy that

Mexican Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos in Spanish, is a Catholic holiday that is celebrated in much of Latin America and especially revered as a Mexican holiday. Its legacy begins in Aztec times of what is now the country of Mexico and became the modern-day celebration that aligns with the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2). Its purpose is to honor our ancestors and the loved ones who have departed this earth, in hopes that their souls come back to visit us.

Other countries that celebrate the Day of the Dead:

North America: As Mexico and the United States have a tethered past, it’s not surprising that some southwestern parts of the States – like parts of Arizona, Texas and New Mexico – also celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

Guatemala: A large celebration in honor of the dead concludes with a feast of fiambre traditionally made only during this celebration. Fiambre is a cold salad made with 50 different ingredients including sausage, onions and olives grown within the country.

Ecuador: Common throughout the country but especially within the Kiwchu population, food is brought to gravesites to honor the spirits.

Bolivia: The Andean population of the country honors their passed loves one by honoring the bones of their ancestors three years after their deaths. The skull of one family member is kept inside the house throughout the year to protect the family. The celebration occurs when the family decorates the skull with flowers, clothing and other items to thank the skull for protecting the family.

Carribean: While Haiti is known to celebrate similarly, much the Caribbean maintains traditional Catholic celebrations for All Saint’s Day.

Day of the Dead Traditions

Traditions of Mexican Day of the Dead are the foundation of this Mexican holiday. They are centered on the remembrance of loved ones previous departed. Day of the Dead traditions align with our intent as legacy makes to pass down family values most important. Those traditions most often include:

• Altar for loved ones remembered
• Offrendas or gifts of sugar skulls, pan de muerto, other favorite foods and small trinkets.
• Visits to loved ones’ graves
• Lots of symbolism, including skulls and skeletons, are used in decorations. On Dia de los Muertos (not Halloween), people will wear traditional Mexican dresses and Day of the Dead makeup.

Symbols

Dia de los Muertos is a jovial, light-hearted holiday and it is rich with symbolism. The calavera, or skull, is common of the Mexican holiday. Faces are painted in beautiful displays of calacas (skeletons), which has become the symbol of Day of the Dead. These symbols are often depicted as fully dressed and in a joyous manner, rather than in mourning. Exact traditions vary within parts of Mexico, but Día de los Muertos is a national holiday in which the country’s government is closed.

Related: DIY Floral Crown for Girls

The depiction of calaveras or calacas (skulls/skeletons) using masks was once the primary method of celebration and decoration. The use of makeup to create unique and exquisite manifestations has become prevalent though. In addition, flowers are symbolic in Day of the Dead celebrations. The strongly scented marigold flower, known as the flower of the dead helps guide the souls of the departed.

Related: Mexican Paper Flower Tutorial

Paper flowers are commonly used as Day of the Dead decoration celebrations and they are surprisingly very easy to make! Check out our tutorial link above! Flowers are also typically incorporated in face painting designs. Papel picado is also a common Dia de los Muertos decoration. We made the ones pictured in this post and the banners are not super difficult, but it does take time. Check out the tutorial for a faux Mexican banner below if you’re short on time.

Related: Dia de los Muertos Papel Picado

Dia de los Muertos Traditions

Mexican Holiday Day of the Dead

Want to celebrate Day of the Dead with kids? Learn more about this beautiful and colorful holiday with the links below:

Day of the Dead for Kids

5 Free Day of the Dead Printables

How to Celebrate Dia de los Muertos Respectfully

I’m certainly not the appropriation police, but there are definitely lines that should be noted. Do not wear sombreros and mustaches and drink a bunch of Tequila saying you’re celebrating Day the Dead. Do not mock the culture. Instead, to respectfully celebrate this beautiful holiday:

• Set up an altar to honor your own loved ones and family legacy
• Attend a festival or local event for Day of the Dead
• Buy Day of the Dead art pieces
• Read and learn more about the beauty of Mexican culture and Mexican families