Day of the Dead

It’s true that some people think that Day of the Dead is just an extension of Halloween festivities, perhaps because of the fact that the dates are so close together. But these two celebrations come from very different roots. And while Halloween might be a dark and scary night of mischief and mayhem, Day of the Dead offers a celebration of unfolding color and joy as honor is paid to lost loved ones.

With singing, parades, revelry and fun, the theme for Day of the Dead is less about mourning and more about cherishing life!

History of Day of the Dead

Native people groups have been honoring and celebrating their ancestors who went before them for thousands of years. Part of the culture of the ancient Aztecs, Mayans, and other tribes has included rituals and ceremonies that embrace the concept of death as simply a part of natural life.

It is likely from these cultures that the rich history and some of the traditions of the Day of the Dead is derived. Today, “Día de los Muertos” (in Spanish) or Day of the Dead, is traditionally celebrated in autumn, just two days after Halloween (or All Hallows Eve) and one day after All Saints’ Day (or Day of the Children). When the Catholic church rebranded the rituals of the indigenous peoples to become “All Souls Day”, various practices about death and the afterlife were combined to create new traditions for the Day of the Dead.

All Souls Day, which is celebrated at the same time as Day of the Dead, can trace its roots back to the year 993 in a Benedictine Catholic monastery in Cluny, France. This celebration and festival was meant for the monks and nuns to commemorate and pray for the “faithful departed”, eventually extending to the entire church in the early 20th century.

But, further back, some evidence suggests that in the 1500s, when Spanish explorers settled in the New World, specifically in Mexico, All Souls Day eventually developed into the Day of the Dead. But instead of simply praying for those who have gone before, Día de los Muertos would become a time for families to gather to not only honor the deceased but to also welcome the spirits of their ancestors to join them for the festivities. 

The early 20th century saw a resurgence of the celebration of the Día de los Muertos in Latin American communities, particularly in Mexico as the president from 1934-1940, Lázaro Cárdenas, was a great encourager of the celebrations. Though technically on November 2, the Day of the Dead is often celebrated for the first two days just following Halloween, stretching it out through November 1 and 2. 

In 2008, the importance of the Day of the Dead was inscribed into the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

How to Celebrate Day of the Dead

Looking for some ways to get involved with this celebration of life and death? Then the Day of the Dead offers a myriad of opportunities – most of which are actually spread out over two days! Check out some of these ideas to make plans for this unique tradition:

Attend Some Día de los Muertos festivities

Of course, one of the best ways to celebrate the Day of the Dead would be to get connected with others who are celebrating too! Some communities, especially those with a large Latin American influence, might put on various events and activities, such as community gatherings, parties or parades.

Those who are headed to certain places in Mexico, like Oaxaca, Janitzio, and Mexico City will certainly want to make plans in advance, and perhaps get help from a local guide, because the carnival atmosphere makes everything very busy!

Dress Up for Day of the Dead

Dressing up in costumes may not be obligatory, but it sure does add an extra element of fun and excitement! Adults and children alike are invited to dress up in traditional costumes that may include brightly colored skirts or pants and intricately embroidered tops, or elaborately decorated capes with flowers as a headdress.

Of course, the most important part of dressing up for the Day of the Dead celebrations is the skull face. Whether wearing an actual mask of a skull or just using face paint to decorate a skull, this is the key part that makes costumes for this day different from all the others.