Its that time of the year again. Everyone is donning costumes and getting ready to hand out candy, but there may be another holiday coming up that you might not be so familiar with. Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of those that have passed away. Dia de los Muertos is observed November 1 and 2 coinciding with the Catholic All Saints day and All Soul’s day. Usually the Holiday is celebrated in two days: November 1st Dia de los Inocentes ( Day of the Innocents) is a day when deceased youth are honored and November 2nd is when adults are honored; however, some beliefs hold that it is a three day holiday beginning on October 31st, All Hallows Eve, where some believe the souls of young children arise at midnight.
Don’t get Dia de los Muertos confused with Halloween or think it’s just the Mexican version of Halloween. While similar and around the same time, they are two very different holidays each celebrated in very different ways.
So, how is Dia de los Muertos celebrated? Since it is a holiday honoring the deceased, families usually gather to build alters in their homes, schools, or public places to celebrate those who have passed away. Gifts are also offered to honor the dead. These gifts include sugar skulls, marigolds (the Mexican flower of death) or trinkets specific to that family member such as cigarettes if they were a smoker or maybe memorabilia from a favorite team. Food consisting of the deceased favorite dishes can also be placed at the altar. Here in Las Cruces, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated with a festival in the town of Mesilla. The festival began on Friday, the 27th and will continue to Sunday the 29t.
During the festival, families set up altars that surround the Plaza and the public can come and view the altars while enjoying a ballet folklorico performance and vendors from around the city. While many may consider death a somber occasion, Dia de los Muertos is a beautiful holiday that celebrates the life of those no longer with us.
If you have the opportunity, attend a local festival or look online at how Dia de los Muertos is celebrated around the world. It is truly a beautiful holiday rich in culture and something everyone should learn about and enjoy.