“Day of the Dead” is a family celebration.
Día de los Muertos is celebrated from October 31 to November 2. It originated in Mexico but is celebrated all over the world, especially in Latin America. Over the three days:
- Families get together to honor loved ones who have died. They decorate graves with food, drink, candles, pictures, and gifts.1
- Marigolds and sugar skulls (calaveras) are often used to decorate. The scent and bright colors of marigolds are “thought to guide spirits to visit the living during the celebration.”2 The calaveras are reminders of the cycle of life.
- People dress up, dance, and eat delicious food.3
It’s a celebration of family connections!
Celebrate!
What can you do this week to remember your ancestors and honor your heritage?
Notes
1. See Deborah S. Gurtler, “Celebrating Día de los Muertos,” FamilySearch blog, Nov. 2, 2012.
2. Sally Odekirk, “Day of the Dead Traditions,” FamilySearch blog, July 28, 2019.
3. See Steve Anderson, “Day of the Dead—Fun Activities to Honor Our Ancestors,” FamilySearch blog, Oct. 20, 2016.