Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that translates to Day of the Dead and has been celebrated on November 1st and 2nd for around 3,000 years. It’s observed to remember and embrace lost family members and close friends. November 1st is a day to honor and remember lost children or young family members. November 2nd is to celebrate lost adults and parents of many families. Dia de los Muertos is an important holiday for many because of the celebration it brings, the many memories that are remembered, and the love families express.
Dia de los Muertos is a holiday about honoring and celebrating the fun and colors of life. Many people will decorate tables or memorial sites with a special altar called an ofrenda. Families will set out marigolds, plates of food, sweets, drinks, and even gifts or special items related to those who passed, so they have a special way of honoring that person. Marigolds are a specially recognized flower for Día de los Muertos and are used as a path or guide for the spirits to connect on these special days. Some say the spirits know where to find the altars due to the bright orange petals and scents that marigolds give off. Food and drinks are left out on the altar as a way to connect and celebrate with the visiting spirits. Families will also leave out a few sweets, typically in the form of a colorful smiling skull as a gift and treat for the younger spirits, as well as leaving out some special drinks for the older ones.
Many believe that Dia de los Muertos is a gloomy memorial day. In reality, Días de los Muertos is a celebration of life. Many families treat this holiday as simply another day with that loved one or friend that had passed. Dia de los Muertos isn’t the only holiday celebrated like this in Latin America. It’s a tradition among the households all around the world no matter the country and religion. Dia de los Muertos is one of the most unique holidays thanks to ofrendas, decorations, traditions, and the celebration it gives to life and death.
