Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
As a first-gen student, September-November is a very exciting and nostalgic time for me. From Hispanic Heritage Month to Mexican Independence Day to Día de la Raza. My absolute favorite holiday, however, is quickly approaching: Día de Los Muertos.
What is Día de los Muertos?
Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated across Latin America and by Latinos worldwide on November 1. It’s a day to celebrate the lives of those who have passed away and honor the legacy they leave behind. There are decorations and festivities in preparation for the souls of loved ones to come back for a night.
How to celebrate!
People celebrate this holiday in many different ways. You can go directly to the grave of the loved one, or you can create an ofrenda, or alter, in your home. Loved ones will decorate the grave or altar with pictures of the loved one, flowers, papel picado, candles, and anything significant to the person who passed. The journey back home is a long one, so food and drink are also offered. Typically this food and drink are the favorite snacks and juices the loved one enjoyed while they were alive.
Summary
All in all, Día de Los Muertos is a beautiful, colorful celebration of the people we love most and the continued importance they have in our lives, even in their death.
Latino Community at UT!
I love celebrating with my Abuelita because it gives us a way to connect to each other and honor my grandfather and other family who have passed. During Día de los Muertos I feel like he’s watching over me and that he knows we love & miss him.
– Olivia Lyles DeLuna, Freshman at UT
El Día de los Muertos is important for me because we get to celebrate our loved ones that have passed away with building ofrendas and making their favorite foods. It’s an important holiday for us latinos because we get to re-live with our loved ones that are no longer with us.
– Ximena Mireles, Freshman at UT