Your Día de los Muertos Questions Answered!

Día de los Muertos is a celebration that brings together family, tradition, and memories that are fun but also meaningful. While some people have gone as far as calling it the “Mexican Halloween,” the truth is far from that, as this holiday has its own distinct history and way of celebrating it. If you’ve ever wondered when it happens, why people dress up like skeletons, or what that flower with the tricky name is called, we’ve got answers for you. Let’s jump in!

When is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos is celebrated every year from November 1st to November 2nd. November 1st is often called Día de los Inocentes or Día de los Angelitos and is dedicated to children who have passed away. November 2nd is for remembering adults. So, it’s basically two days of honoring loved ones, with the belief that their spirits return to celebrate with us.

Where is it Celebrated?
Though Mexico is most closely associated with Día de los Muertos, you’ll find celebrations in other Latin American countries like Guatemala, Peru, and Bolivia. Even outside Latin America, places with large Latino communities, especially in the US, also celebrate it. You might come across altars and public gatherings in states like California, Texas, and Arizona.

WATCH: Making Dia de Los Muertos Flower Crowns with Lily Martinez

How is Día de los Muertos Different from Halloween?
Día de los Muertos and Halloween happen around the same time, but they are not the same. Halloween is all about spooky costumes and candy, with an emphasis on fear and ghosts. On the other hand, Día de los Muertos focuses on honoring and celebrating loved ones who have passed away. It’s a joyful, family-centered time where the dead are welcomed back, rather than feared.

What Flowers Are Used?
The flower you’ll see everywhere is the marigold, or cempasúchil in Spanish. Its bright color and strong scent are believed to guide the spirits back to the living world. You’ll often see pathways of marigold petals leading to altars, symbolically lighting the way for the returning souls.

How Does Mexico Celebrate Día de los Muertos?
In Mexico, the celebration is both private and public. Families build altars (or ofrendas) at home or in cemeteries, filled with items that their loved ones enjoyed in life—like their favorite food, drinks, and personal objects. There are also parades and festivals, where people paint their faces like Catrinas (fancy skeletons) and wear traditional clothes. Some towns, like Oaxaca or Mixquic, are especially known for their huge Día de los Muertos events.

How to Make a Día de los Muertos Altar
Building an altar is one of the most important parts of the holiday. Here’s what you’ll typically include:

• Photos of the person you’re honoring.
• Marigolds (of course!).
• Food offerings like pan de muerto (a special bread) or their favorite meal.
• Sugar skulls or other decorative skulls (calaveras).
• Candles to help guide the spirits.
• Personal items that remind you of the person.

Each item has a specific meaning, from the water (to quench the thirst of spirits) to the candles (to light the way).

Why Do People Dress Like Catrinas?
The Catrina, a female skeleton dressed in fancy clothing, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Día de los Muertos. The character was created by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada as a way to show that, rich or poor, we’re all equal in death. Dressing like Catrinas is a way to participate in the celebration and embrace the idea that death isn’t something to fear.

Key Symbols of the Celebration

• Skulls (Calaveras): These can be made of sugar or decorated on people’s faces.
• Marigolds: As mentioned earlier, their scent and color attract spirits.
• Papel Picado: These colorful paper banners are hung around altars and streets, representing the fragility of life.
• Candles: To guide the spirits home.

These symbols aren’t just decorations; they all have special meanings tied to the beliefs and customs of the holiday.

What Foods Are Associated with Día de los Muertos?
A huge part of the celebration is food, and many families make their loved ones’ favorite meals. But there are also traditional dishes, like:

• Pan de Muerto: A soft, sweet bread decorated with shapes resembling bones.
• Tamales: These are common for many celebrations, but they hold a special place on Día de los Muertos tables.
• Mole: A rich, chocolatey sauce often served with chicken or turkey.
• Sugar Skulls: These colorful, decorated skulls aren’t necessarily for eating, but they represent the sweetness of life and the presence of death.

Why is Día de los Muertos Important?
Día de los Muertos is a beautiful blend of ancient Indigenous beliefs and Catholic traditions. It’s about remembering that death is just another part of life’s journey and a chance to reconnect with those who have passed on. It’s a reminder to celebrate life, keep traditions alive, and cherish the memories of those we’ve lost.

The celebration is so special that UNESCO recognized it as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights its importance, not just in Mexican culture but as a global symbol of how we can honor our ancestors while also enjoying the present.

Now that you know more about Día de los Muertos, why not join in on the festivities? Whether you’re building an altar, sharing food, or painting your face like a skeleton, you’re participating in a tradition that goes back centuries and still holds deep meaning today.