There are many different ways to commemorate Day of the Dead (Spanish: Da de los Muertos or Da de los Muertos), but it is most commonly observed on November 1 and 2 (though additional days, such as October 31 or November 6, may be incorporated depending on the location).
It originated mostly in Mexico, where it is widely practiced, but it has also spread to other countries, particularly those with Mexican ancestry. Allhallowtide, which includes the Western Christian celebrations of All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day, has a less melancholy tone and is celebrated as a holiday of joy rather than sadness, despite its association.
Family and friends come over the course of several days to pay their respects and remember those who have passed away. Celebrations of the deceased often take on a lighthearted tone, as people reminisce about comical incidents and anecdotes from their lives.
From October 31st to November 2nd, the Day of the Dead is celebrated. It is possible to extend the Day of the Dead up to November 6 depending on where you live.
Day of the Dead, which started in Mexico, has become a global phenomenon, with people from all over the world participating in it. Day of the Dead may appear to be a rainy day, but it is truly a day to celebrate.
People that support the feast believe that understanding it will make it even more enjoyable.
What Is the Purpose of Day of the Dead?
Observance of the Day of the Dead commemorates those who have passed away.
It’s an opportunity to honor the lives of those who have passed away, and one way that’s done is by constructing an altar with images of the person, along with items like food and drink that remind us of their life,” said a fan of the festival. Known as a “offering,” it’s referred to as an ofrenda.
On the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos, the most well-known character is La Catrina, a towering female skeleton covered in brightly colored feathers. Deceased relatives were safeguarded and guided by the Aztecs’ deity, known as the “Lady of Death,” as they passed from life to death. José Guadalupe Posada, a controversial and political cartoonist, created La Catrina in the early 1900s. For the 400-year span shown in his works by Diego Rivera and his wife Frida Kahlo, the artist included José’s painting La Catrina. His artwork, “Dreams on a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park,” has him and a little child holding hands with La Catrina, who is dressed in sophisticated clothes and a feathered cap.
Day of the Dead preparations are made all year long. Offering toys to children who have died, as well as bottles of liquor or amphora to adults, is common practice. Ofrendas, which often include marigolds, are commonly used to decorate the graves of deceased loved ones. The colorful petals and powerful perfume of these flowers are thought to draw the souls of the deceased to the offerings and guide them from the graveyard to their family’s home.
DAY OF THE DEAD FAQS
What happens on the Day of the Dead?
As per Mexican tradition, Day of the Dead is celebrated by offering goods to past loved ones and celebrating their lives.
Do you say Happy Day of the Dead?
To greet people on Day of the Dead you can say “Feliz Día de los Muertos” or “Happy Day of the Dead”.
What is an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos?
An ofrenda is a collection of offerings and decorative objects place on a ritual display during Day of the Dead celebrations.
HOW TO OBSERVE DAY OF THE DEAD
- Take time to rememberPick a small area in your home (a table works well) and set up a candle, a photo of a loved one, and some flowers. It’s a simple act of remembrance.
- Visit a community cemeteryMany cemeteries are filled with festive sounds, smells, and imagery. Even if you don’t have an altar, stop by a local community event to experience the sights and sounds that fill this day.
- Host a Day of the Dead event at your homeThis day is meant to be celebrated with family and friends. Make a large dinner and ask people to bring a photo of a loved one that has passed away, and place all photos on a table. During dinner, go around the table and have everyone say one fun memory about their loved one. The key is to keep it fun, positive, and festive.
WHY DAY OF THE DEAD IS IMPORTANT
- You get to remember your loved onesWhile death can be a mournful experience, the Day of the Dead allows us to remember the happy memories we have of our loved ones.
- Altars show respect for the deadAltars may come in different shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose, to show respect and honor a late loved one. This day provides you a time to go through old photographs, letters, toys, and other items that may hold sentimental value.
- MarigoldsThe marigold is a delicate, yellow-orange flower that represents grief, but is also bright enough to guide the spirits of dead one back home.
DAY OF THE DEAD DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2021 | November 2 | Tuesday |
2022 | November 2 | Wednesday |
2023 | November 2 | Thursday |
2024 | November 2 | Saturday |
2025 | November 2 | Sunday |
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