Day of the Dead: Commemorate both life and death this November

2 November marks the start of one of the most celebrated and treasured traditions in Central and South America. Day of the dead is a three-day long celebration that brings love, light and joy to a concept that is often surrounded in sadness.

It is said that Mexico’s outlook on the passing of loved ones has always been positive. Day of the Dead is more about time for families to come together, share stories, and celebrate life, rather than focusing on loss. The atmosphere is festive, not sad, blending indigenous traditions with Catholic influences.

What is Day of the Dead?

Day of the Dead or el Día de los Muertos is commonly celebrated in Mexico and encompasses the cycle of both life and death. Often families and friends come together to pay respects to those who are no longer with us.

With historic traditions and good spirits, Day of the Dead blends the old Aztec tradition of honouring ancestors with All Souls Day, a holiday the Spanish introduced to Mexico in the early 1500s.

Many people celebrating Day of the Dead believe that the veil between the real world and the spirit world is lifted for one night, and loved ones are able to return to us just for the day.

The history of Day of the Dead

Its origins can be traced back to Aztec people and what we call in modern day, Mexico. One of the most recognisable features of this holiday is the skull and its decoration. This is said to be because the Aztec people used skulls to honour the dead by placing them in temples.  

After the Spanish conquered the Aztec empire in the sixteenth century, the Catholic Church shifted indigenous ceremonies and rituals dedicated to honouring the dead (traditionally held at different times of the year) to align with the Catholic observances of All Saints Day and All Souls Day on 1 and 2 November.

This created the holiday known as Día de los Muertos on 2 November. The Latin American indigenous traditions and symbols to honour the dead fused with non-official Catholic practices and their notions of afterlife.

This celebration has been made to feel like an extension of Mexican culture where the people, the food and the parties are vibrant. So, when it comes to death, Mexicans celebrate in their own way with lots of colour, food, and music.

Celebrating Day of the Dead

While the holiday has evolved over the course of its long lifespan, there are integral aspects to the Day of the Dead that remain to this day. Flowers, altars, food and music are all key parts of the celebration and hold great significance to those participating.  

During the night of Day of the Day, families will gather at cemeteries (pantenos) to light candles and place flowers at the graves of loved ones. There is often music and laughter as those celebrate coming together in honour of families and friends.  

Altars (Ofrendas)

There is a rich history of altars (ofrendas) in relation to Day of the Dead, today Mexican families will set up beautifully decorated altars in their homes. These are often adorned with photos and treasured items that of the loved one that has passed.

Ofrendas typically include water, the deceased’s favourite foods and beverages, flowers, bread, and other items relating to the life of the departed.

Marigolds (cempasuchil)

You’ll find these beautiful and vibrant flowers the most during Día de los Muertos, at both altars and during the visits to graves. 

These flowers are used as a guide for the spirits – their vibrant colour and scent can aid them in their journey back to the living.  

Skulls (calaveras)

One of the most iconic parts of Day of the Dead is the adornment of skulls. Often you’ll see them painted in an array of colours, styles and designs, and even referred to as sugar skulls.

It has been said this decorating skulls was an act of defiance against death, to mock the sadness that surrounds it by filling it with colour and life.

Wishing someone a happy Day of the Dead

It might seem odd to wish someone well during a festival about death, but much like the holiday itself, Day of the Dead is never a time for sadness. In fact, it’s the opposite, so if you are wanting to express your well wishes to someone celebrating this year, why not try “Feliz día de los Muertos” which in Spanish means “Happy day of the dead”.

We wish all students, alumni, partners and staff celebrating this year a very happy Day of the Dead! May you enjoy this time celebrating your loved ones.