Most people have heard of Día de los Muertos before, but few know what it actually is. Contrary to popular beliefs, it isn’t a Mexican version of Halloween.
Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday to honor lost loved ones. The idea was first created over 3,000 years ago by the Aztecs. Their cultural traditions were enhanced when the Spanish took over Mexico in the 1500s and brought their ideas with them. The Spanish had their own Catholic version of the Aztecs’ holiday called All Souls Day. These two similar ideas blended to form Día de los Muertos.
It is believed in Mexico that when you die, you go to a place called the Land of the Dead. It’s sealed off from the living world except for two days of the year: November 1st and 2nd. In this window, the dead come back to visit their living loved ones. Typically, the 1st is focused on dead children while the 2nd is for adults.
The living have many customs to prepare for the arrival of the dead. One of the most famous traditions is creating an altar or ofrenda for their loved ones. Ofrendas typically include a photo of the person it’s honoring, marigolds, and their personal belongings or food. People will often go to the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried, and clean and decorate their graves. There are many parades with floats and dancers in skeleton costumes. Skulls are a big symbol of Día de los Muertos. People will make Sugar Skulls, little skulls made out of sugar or clay and decorated with colors and designs, to celebrate the lives of the dead. Similarly, La Catrina is a popular Día de los Muertos figure. She is a skeleton often depicted wearing a dress or a big hat with flowers on it. La Catrina is meant to remind people that dying isn’t something to be feared, but a part of life.
There are all kinds of celebrations in Mexico and the US, including local ones too. The largest festival in New Jersey was hosted in Montclair at the Lackawanna Plaza from October 31st to November 2nd, complete with art, music, and food. Whether you’re a regular Día de los Muertos celebrator or you’re looking to try something new, there’s something out there for everyone.
