Here is the short version…Day of the Dead or Día de Muertos is a day to, well…honor the dead. It’s mainly celebrated in Mexico and by Mexican-Americans (aka Latinos, Latinas, Hispanics, Chicanos, and LatinXers) only two weeks after the end of Hispanic Heritage Month on November 1st and 2nd. The celebration is marked by altars or ofrendas dedicated to deceased family members who are celebrated through food, dance, drinks, parties, displaying pictures of relatives, and beautiful flowers. We worked with filmmakers in Oaxaca, Mexico and Kansas City (Yes, there are Mexicans in KC) to give you a glimpse of this beautiful celebration.
Day of the Dead History
The origins of Día de Muertos can be traced back to 609 AD when the Catholic Pope established All Saint’s Day on November 1st, as a day to honor all saints known and unknown (I hope to be discovered some day), and November 2nd All Souls Day to honor anyone who has died but not yet reached heaven (only 1 day, jeez woulda hoped for at least a week to get me over the finish line, but I digress). It is thought All Saints Day was created to co-opt the Pagan holiday “Feast of the Lamures” dating back to 10 BC in the Roman Empire, also meant to honor the dead and restless souls (the Pope was kinda petty I guess). Fast forward 700 years to the 1300s where the Mexicas (aka Aztecs) in the area now known as the United States of Mexico (that is the actual full name of Mexico), celebrated the dead for 40 days with parties, food, and flowers. Additionally, the Mexicas practiced various ceremonies throughout the year which made sacrifices to the Gods, and offered food and prayers to deceased relatives on their journey through different stages of the afterlife. When Spanish Conquistadors (Old Spanish word for murderous, gold-hungry, scum) arrived in Mexico in the 1500s, the European and Mexica culture blended (well the ones who survived war, smallpox, and enslavement) eventually creating the present day Día de Muertos. Oh yeah and there is also a hint of Halloween, the ancient American holiday based on scoring full size candy bars and toilet papering the homes of your enemies. You can read more about the History of the Day of the Dead here.
Day of the Dead Celebrations in the US
Today, the Day of the Dead is like a Digital Time Capsule for family traditions. There are over 62M people of Latin American descent living in the US. Of that total, 62% or 38M are of Mexican descent. Incredible considering the total population of Mexico is 128M. The state of California alone, would be the second largest Mexican state. Not surprisingly, the biggest Day of the Dead celebrations in the US take place in cities and neighborhoods with the largest presence of Mexican immigrants and descendants. The Day of the Dead is a time to share and preserve family traditions. To give you a glimpse of this celebration from the perspective of someone living in the US, we were fortunate enough to interview our friend Lula. Watch the video below to learn more about the tradition.
San Antonio
: The largest Day of the Dead celebration in the US takes place in San Antonio Texas with over 1M Hispanics of Mexican descent making up more than 65% of the city’s population. Organized events include several parades across the city, craft workshops to decorate your ofrenda, live music, dancing, and lots and lots of food. You can see a full list of San Antonio Day of the Dead Events at the city’s website.
Los Angeles
: L.A. has two major Day of the Dead Celebrations, not surprising given 48% of all Angelenos or 4.8M people identify as LatinX, of which 75%+ are of Mexican descent.
Olvera Street
: For over 35 years, the merchants on Olvera Street have celebrated Día de los Muertos. Día de los Muertos at Olvera Street is the only celebration of its kind in Los Angeles – A nine day festival, with a nightly procession, community altars on display, and entertainment starting on October 25th and running through November 2nd. You can find out more from the Olvera Street Merchants Association Foundation.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
: Dia y Noche de los Muertos
is an epic event with a day session for families with younger children and a night session. Both include music, folkloric dances, food, crafts, face painting and art exhibits. This iconic location per their website was, “founded in 1899, and the final resting place of hundreds of Hollywood legends, including Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino, Mickey Rooney, Tyrone Power, Douglas Fairbanks, Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone, Valerie Harper, Chris Cornell, and hundreds of others.
Chicago
: Latinos and Latinas make up 28% of Chicago’s population or roughly 800,000 people, of which 75% are of Mexican descent. The cultural hub for the Mexican community in Chicago has historically been the neighborhood of Pilsen. Through gentrification, the Hispanic population has fallen in recent years, but continues to expand in other parts of the city. In Pilsen, all roads to the Day of the Dead start and end with the National Museum of Mexican Art.
How the Day of the Dead is Celebrated
The beauty of Day of the Dead is that it’s truly a celebration, a way to honor and remember those they’ve lost through food, music, and community gatherings. The symbolism of the day is that the dead come back to visit their loved ones, and families can feel their spiritual presence through remembrance even though their physical forms have passed on. It’s an emotional celebration that brings feelings of grief, remembrance, and a sense of connection to one’s family history.
The majority of Day of the Dead celebrations take place in the privacy of one’s home. Families set up an “ofrenda” or offering altar on a coffee table, bookshelf, or sometimes a larger table in a living room or garage. The first items placed on an ofrenda are the pictures of deceased relatives or friends. Next up are refreshments in the form of food and drink to quench the thirst and hunger of the deceased after a long voyage through the afterlife. It’s not uncommon to see shots of tequila, bottles of beer, glasses of water, and a healthy serving of day of the dead bread in the form of a skull and crossbones sprinkled with sugar. To add color and fragrance to awaken the dead, marigolds are used to adorn the ofrenda, a bright yellow flower with a strong, some say unpleasant smell. On larger ofrendas you will also find artwork made with salt to purify and cleanse the spirit of the deceased. The multi-colored salt is made in the shape of a cross, skull, or flowers. Perhaps the most iconic member of an ofrenda is the sugar skull and other alfeñiques, small knick-knacks made of a sugar paste representing the items the deceased loved while they were living. Alfeñiques can include tacos, donuts, briefcases, bottles of beer, flowers, or anything else you can imagine. The Sugar skull represents the physical form of the deceased. Lastly, you will often find incense as a way to guide the dead back to the world of the living. Many families will offer prayers to different family members as a way to honor and remember those they lost.
The Day of the Dead is also a time for families to gather together through music, dancing, drinks, and of course food. If you’re looking for activities for younger children, check out or Day of the Dead Coloring sheets.
Day of the Dead Food and Drinks
Atole: Derived from the word "atolli" which means watery, it is one of the most well known pre-Colonial drinks in Mexico. The main preparation technique is nixtamalization and the ingredients with which it is usually prepared are considered a worthy potion to receive and quench the thirst of the deceased after their long journey. Nixtamalization is a traditional maize preparation process in which dried kernels are cooked and steeped in an alkaline lime solution to soften the maize kernel. This traditional drink is made with masa harina, piloncillo, cinnamon, and vanilla is perfect to enjoy during the winter and around the holidays. Try your hand at making Atole.
Pan de Muertos: Thousands of years ago, ritual sacrifices were the norm as offerings were made to gods and loved ones in the afterlife. Over time these rituals became less violent, and instead were represented with a loaf of bread made into the shape of a body, skull, or skeleton. This allowed for the rituals and offerings to continue, but with a lot less clean up. The Bread of the Dead or Pan de Muertos is fun to make and delicious.
Tamales: Good any time of year, they come with a standard corn-based meal and filled with savory, sweet, vegetarian or meat. Sky is the limit.
Dancing and Music
La Danza de los Viejitos:The dance of the little old men. Its true origin is not really known, but it appears to be the remnant of a ritual to the Aztec sun God The choreography is improvisational and represents man’s eternal fight against death as the old men dance vigorously to scare off the spirits of death, demonstrating that they are still strong and capable of executing intricate foot stomping.
Música:
What holiday would be complete without a
Day of the Dead Spotify playlist?
Favorites include La Llorona, selections from the Coco Soundtrack, and many more!
Conclusion:
Well I hope you’ve learned a bit about this beautiful celebration called the Day of the Dead. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate the Day of the Dead. It’s a time set aside to remember those we’ve lost, and continue our relationship with our ancestors. Just in case you want to learn a bit more, check out our 20 Day of the Dead facts and FAQs below.
20 Day of the Dead Facts and Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone likes a good old fashioned Listicle amirite?
What is the Day of the Dead?It’s a day to honor the dead lasting two days from November 1st to November 2nd, originating in Mexico but now also celebrated in the US, because well immigration and cultural appropriation are an American tradition.
When is Day of the Dead? What Day is Day of the Dead? When is Day of the Dead in Mexico? When is the Day of the Dead 2022? Day of the Dead Date? November 1st is traditionally the day to celebrate deceased children, and November 2nd deceased adults. November 3rd is for Pets and Imaginary Friends, just kidding they are also celebrated on the 1st or 2nd. The Day of the Dead date is November 1st and November 2nd every single year.
Where is Day of the Dead celebrated?Day of the Dead in Mexico and Day of the Dead in the US are similar and celebrated anywhere where people of Mexican origin have emigrated to.
How do you say Day of the Dead in Spanish?Mexicans call it Día de Muertos. If you use Google translate which literally translates every word then you get Día de los Muertos, but don’t say that unless you also believe Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, instead of a holiday invented by Amos Amheuser and George W. Busch (not sure on the first names).
What’s up with the Day of the Dead Skulls?Well, they look cool and are usually part of the decorations on an ofrenda (day of the dead altar), typically made of sugar so technically edible so you can eat your sorrows or a kinder material than plastic whichever way you look at it. Some are made of ceramic as well. You can find a selection of Day of the Dead Skulls on Amazon.
What is the typical day of the dead costume?La Catrina” has become an important icon of Mexican culture and the favorite costume to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Originally, the caricature of La Catrina was born as a criticism of the classism of Mexican society because many people of indigenous descent pretended to be European, and denied their race, heritage and culture. The idea of skeleton was that we are all the same and there is no sense pretending to be something you are not, much like putting a fancy outfit on a skeleton. Over time the symbol was adopted by the culture as an homage to the dead and a beautiful costume adorned by makeup, colorful dresses, and bright flowers. The Day of the Dead Dress is a typical embroidered dress from Puebla, Mexico with ornate silk threads and embroidered brightly colored flowers. You can find some on Etsy from this Mexican Day of the Dead Dress maker in California. Often times they are accessorized with a handmade shawl. You can find some more Day of the Dead Costume Ideas here.
Can you hook me up with a Day of the Dead Makeup tutorial?
Um, yeaaaah. So glad you asked. Day of the dead masks can be made with any color or decoration. Day of the Dead face painting is also a fun activity for families.
What is the typical Day of the Dead Flower?
Marigolds are the day of the dead flowers. The Cempasúchil flower as it’s known in its native Mexico, comes from the Nahuatl "Cempohualxochitl" which means "twenty flowers" or "several flowers". The flower has a very pungent smell, which some find quite disagreeable. The Aztecs believed that this smell could awaken the souls of the dead to bring them back to the festival. In that same Aztec tradition, the yellow color also evokes the Sun and serves as a guide to the souls of the deceased. Also, they’re really f’in beautiful.
What are the typical Day of the Dead decorations?
Ok, let’s break it down.
The Day of the Dead Altar or Ofrenda: The centerpiece is the ofrenda, the altar. More practically this is a shelf, a table, a coffee table. On that ofrenda are a few key items listed below.
Sugar Skulls: Calaveras or Sugar Skulls represent loved ones who have passed on and are the icon of this celebration. They are painted with elaborate decorations and bright colors. The Day of the Dead Skeleton or Skull is iconic.
Alfeñiques: Alfeñiques or sugar sculptures are meant to represent the hobbies, interests, professions of the deceased you are honoring. Alfeñiques come in many shapes and sizes including animals, bottles of beer, plates of food, tacos, bottles of cokes, and coffins. The word alfeñique comes from Arabic, which literally means "sugar paste", and is used to make traditional sweets. The alfeñiques are a syncretic phenomenon that blends indigenous customs and techniques with the contributions of the Spanish during the Conquest, who inherited Arab customs. This tradition dates back to the Aztecs, who already made figures for their offerings made of amaranth and other edible pastes. In addition, it is a custom to eat them on the days around November 2, and the most popular are the sugar skulls that are adorned with the names of deceased people. The skull-shaped alfeñiques have their origin in the Tzompantli, a pre-Hispanic altar decorated with the skulls of warriors fallen in battle.
Papel Picado: Paper banners in bright colors, representing different people, professions, and stages of life. You can buy papel picado here.
Marigolds: These bright yellow flowers represent the sun and perfume that lights the way and awakens the dead for this celebration.
Pan de Muerto: This Day of the Dead Bread is baked in the shape of a cross, crossbones, or skeleton. A dusting of sugar finishes them off.
Portraits: The pictures of the deceased are placed on the altar, often in ornate frames.
Candles: Candles are lit in the evenings to light the way for the dead in the afterlife to the ofrenda.
Salt: Salt in the shape of a cross helps clean spirits and purify the dead.
Incense: burned to guide the souls to the altar.
Drinks: glasses of water, bottles of coke, beer, tequila. All to quench thirst after a long trip through the afterlife to the ofrenda.
What is the 5 letter answer for Day of the Dead Drink for Crossword puzzles?
Atole. Really, you’re cheating on a crossword puzzle? Your ancestors are rolling in their graves right now, especially Tia Eugenia who loved pretending to finish the New York Times crossword puzzle with a pen.
Is there a Day of the Dead movie?
Yes, Day of the Dead (1985) is one of those Zombie apocalypse joints, not too bad according to IMDB Day of the Dead Movie with 7.1 stars/10.0. Nothing to do with Día de Muertos. If you watch it, let me know how it is. You can buy the blu-ray or stream for free on Amazon Prime. If you want to watch another movie, but worse check this one out, Candyman: Day of the Dead with a 3.9/10.0 rating on IMDB.
Is there a Day of the Dead TV series?
Well kind of,
Day of the Dead: Bloodline has 3.4 stars on IMDB
. Or…you can check out Day of the Dead on SyFy at 4.6 stars. So much for Day of the Dead TV shows or the question of “Is there a Day of the Dead series?” Looks like we are still waiting for a hit.
Hey, what’s the name of the Day of the Dead Disney Movie?
Coco, it’s awesome, watch it asap. In Disney/Pixar’s vibrant tale of family, fun and adventure, aspiring young musician named Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) embarks on an extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors. There, the charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael Garcia Bernal) becomes an unexpected friend who helps Miguel uncover the mysteries behind his family’s stories and traditions. You can see the movie anytime thanks to our buddies at Amazon.
Yeah ok, everyone saw Coco, but is there something like more authentic?
Book of Life! Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears. A masterpiece from producer Guillermo del Toro and director Jorge Gutierrez, starring the famous Latino actors Christina Applegate, Ice Cube, and Channing Tatum. Ok, ok you also get Diego Luna and Danny Trejo.
Should I get a Day of the Dead Tattoo?
Yes. Here are some ideas for you (only meant if you are 18+ and or accompanied by an adult). Nothing like a Day of the Dead Skull Tattoo on your lower back to show off to your fourth grade class.
Uncle Bezos may have a few pieces as well, nothing better than Day of the Dead Art in two days or less.
Day of the Dead Drawings are here (some are a bit risque so be warned) with some cool Day of the Dead Skull Designs.
Is Cinco de Mayo Day of the Dead?
Huh? Wowsers, well Google says about 5,000 people per month search for this so don’t feel bad. No, these are not the same day. Cinco de mayo is not a major holiday in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5, which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. It’s like Day of the Battle of Bunker Hill, a battle that yeah was kind of important at the time but no one really gives a damn about anymore. Day of the Dead is like Halloween except meaningful and again has nothing to do with Cinco de Mayo, it’s celebrated 6 months later in November. You’re welcome. At least you asked, most people would go on wondering, for that I salute you. Happy Day of the Dead Cinco de Mayo, have a Dorito Crunchwrap Supreme and a Bud Light Lime for me.
When is the Grateful Dead Day?
Everyday.
Are there any Day of the Dead Toys?
Sure! Here are a few of our favorites:
Where can I buy a Day of the Dead Pumpkin
? Nope, that’s Halloween. But actually a candied pumpkin treat is very traditional to eat on Day of the Dead. Here is a recipe for Calabaza en Tacha.
