Día de Muertos, also known in other countries as Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican tradition that is known internationally. It is actually celebrated on two days: November 1 and 2.
You may be familiar with it due to Disney’s Coco, but the truth is this tradition is way older. It has gained more attention in recent years, probably since its inscription in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.
But what is Día de Muertos? What do people do that day? Who observes it? How is it celebrated? Let’s answer these and other questions, shall we?

Origin of the Festivity

Four candles burning in the darkness.

There is still an ongoing debate regarding the origin of this festivity. On the one hand, some academics believe it is a 20th-century rebranded version of an old Spanish tradition, but most experts agree it dates back to pre-Hispanic times, more precisely around 800 B.C.
Some evidence suggests that Mesoamerican cultures held a festival honoring the dead starting in early August. This festival lasted for one to two months and signaled the end of the harvest season.
During this festival, the Aztecs made food offerings to the Lady of the Dead, who was the queen of Chinamictlan and guardian of Mictlan, the ninth level of the Underworld.
Many Mesoamerican cultures had particular beliefs about death and rebirth, and that’s why they buried the departed along with their belongings. They believed the path for the souls of the departed was determined by the kind of death they suffered, not by their behavior while they lived.
When the Spanish learned about these practices, they were shocked. In efforts to convert the people into Catholicism, they changed the dates of the festival to November 1 and 2 so they coincided with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Día de Muertos as we know it today is a mix of pre-Hispanic and Catholic elements, although the pagan elements are prevalent. The Spanish were not successful in wiping it out. Both Catholics and non-Catholics celebrate it alike ever since.

How Do People Celebrate It?

A woman before an ofrenda full of candles and flowers.
Traditional ofrenda.

As we mentioned earlier, this celebration is spread out over two days. November 1 has to do with kids, while November 2 is about adults.
Before these dates, many people set up altars (also known as ofrendas) in cemeteries and even in their homes. They decorate them with photos of the departed, flores de cempasúchil (Mexican marigolds), papers of various colors, water, food, candles, and toys, in the case of kids. They also put an ash cross and burning copal incense at the foot of the altar. The cross serves to purify the soul and the incense to scare the evil spirits away.
It is believed that the departed come to visit us during those days. For the long journey from the Underworld, they will need food and water to survive as well as candles to light up their way. Marigolds attract them due to their strong aroma and prevent them from getting lost. As you can see, each element of the altar has a reason for being.
Día de Muertos is not an official holiday, but many companies give their employees this day off or at least let them leave early.
The cemeteries get crowded during those days as people visit to spend time with their loved ones. In some places like Janitzio, Michoacán, the cemetery is open all night long, and many people spend the whole night there. This is the most famous destination if you ever want to experience the said celebration.
In Mexico City, there is a parade every year. It’s the largest of its kind in all of Mexico, but due to the ongoing pandemic, it was suspended this year.
Many cities decorate their streets with elements of this festivity. You will see allusive decorations everywhere around those dates. Lots of photo ops if you ask me.

Pan de Muerto

Round bread with a cross on top and sprinkled with sugar.

The origin of this bread goes back to pre-Hispanic times too and had to do with human sacrifices. It is said that ancient civilizations offered a princess as a sacrifice to their gods. The priest bit into the heart at the end of the ceremony.
The Spanish did not approve of this and switched the human heart for a type of bread shaped like a heart.
This is the most representative type of bread in this season ever since. Bakeries start selling it weeks or even months before November 1.
Pan de muerto (literally “bread of the dead”) is made of wheat flour, eggs, butter, sugar, orange zest, and anise seeds. It is shaped like a heart and is decorated with bones on top. The bones are arrayed in a circular pattern representing the circle of life.
People usually eat it with coffee, hot chocolate, or atole. You won’t be able to find it anywhere once the celebration is over as it’s a seasonal bread. It is always present in ofrendas.

Calaverita de Azúcar

White skull with marigolds.

This is a kind of candy made of sugar and is always present in ofrendas. The skulls were served as an offering to Mictlatecuhtli, the god of the Underworld, to ask for the free passing of souls to the world of the living.
The Aztecs and other civilizations kept the skulls of their enemies as a sign of victory. This also played an important role in the sacrifices they offered to their gods, and the tradition continued although in a different form.

La Catrina

Woman wearing a black and pink dress and characterized as a catrina.

You may have seen this tall, elegant skeleton lady wearing a long dress and a feathered hat. We’re talking about La Catrina, one of the most important figures of Día de Muertos.
Do you remember the Lady of the Dead we talked about earlier? Well, she and La Catrina are the same person. It turns out La Catrina is a personification of that goddess by José Guadalupe Posada, a famous artist in the early 20th century.
Posada criticized the society of that time for pretending to be something they weren’t. Many people wanted to imitate the European ways in all they did. That’s how he conceived the idea of La Catrina. She was rich, elegant, and sophisticated, but she was no better than others. Eventually, all of us will die, and it doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor.
The concept of La Catrina was further reinforced by the famous muralist Diego Rivera in the 40s. He immortalized her in one of his murals. By the way, you can see this mural at the Diego Rivera Mural Museum in Mexico City. A must-see when visiting the Mexican capital!

Literary Calaveras

The calavera (literally skull) is a traditional composition in verse. It’s a short poem that criticizes or makes fun of someone in a way that suggests they’re dead, even though they’re alive. They pinpoint people’s faults or vices in a funny way. Think of them as humorous epitaphs.
Calaveras are witty, creative, sarcastic, and irreverent. The first ones made fun of politicians and rich people, and that’s why they were censored in the beginning. Currently, they allude to not only politicians but also celebrities such as actors, singers, and athletes.
Calaveras are widely popular around the dates of Día de Muertos. They often come accompanied by cartoons of the “departed”. You can find these compositions in newspapers or online. There are even contests where you can submit your calavera and have it featured if selected.

Poem written about the Mexican president.
Calavera alluding to the Mexican president.
Credit: Jose Carlos Oliva via El Pais.

Why Is It Special?

For starters, it’s not Mexican Halloween! Many people wrongly believe it’s our version of Halloween, but there is nothing further from the truth.

You may wonder what’s so special about this day. After all, other countries have similar celebrations. Although Mexico is not the only country with festivities revolving around death, the concept is not as significant in other countries.
The interest in death has waned over the years in other countries, where it is considered old-fashioned. Maybe the spread of liberal ideas has helped in this regard too.
However, in Mexico, it’s a whole different story. Instead of waning, this tradition has grown and is stronger than ever. Most Mexicans celebrate it whether they’re Catholic or not. It’s so deeply ingrained in Mexican society that religion doesn’t matter. It’s become an element of national identity and pride.
Mexicans don’t hesitate to show their pride and share this tradition with the rest of the world. The impact and influence upon society are such that UNESCO deemed it as one of the most important traditions worldwide and something that should be preserved.
Since ancient times, death has not been seen in our society as the end of life but rather a transition to another world. Dia de Muertos is not about solemnity, sadness, or crying for those gone. Instead, it’s a special day for us when we can spend time together with our loved ones and honor them, even though they’re not a part of this world anymore.
Dia de Muertos is about death and life. It’s a celebration, something we look forward to. We laugh about death in its face. It’s not that we don’t fear it or take it lightly but rather that we accept it as a part of life. It’s not the end but a new beginning! For these and many more reasons, Dia de Muertos keeps a special place in our hearts.
We have embraced it and so have many people from around the world. It has been the inspiration for many books, movies, songs, cartoons, marketing campaigns, works of art, etc.

Watch the video of my friend Ford Quarterman for a better illustration.

Final Thoughts

Dia de Muertos is here to stay. Although the Spanish tried to destroy this tradition, it has survived up to our day. It has evolved over the centuries, and many elements of it have changed, but the essence is the same.
We take pride in this tradition and would like to preserve it. Foreigners are mesmerized when they learn about it…and so are we.
We may be a divided nation when it comes to a few things, but this is something that unites us all. It’s become a sign of unity and identity.
We love it because it’s a happy celebration, even though death is the main element. We are happy people despite the adversities and challenges we face day after day.
Did you know about Dia de Muertos? I hope you understand more about it now. It’s a unique tradition in the world.
Let me know your comments and questions below and, as always, I will be more than glad to respond. Thanks for reading and bon voyage!

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15 Replies to “Día de Muertos – Easily Explained!”

  1. I still can’t believe that I missed it. (AGAIN)

    I was supposed to go to Mexico City last week and stay until the 4th of this month, but my plans got canceled because of the elections.

    My friend went last year, and he told me that it was one of the sickest celebrations he’s been a part of. The cultural richness of the Mexicans is on a different level, and Dia De Muertos proves that. I’m definitely going next year!

    Thanks for the excellent post, my friend; you nailed it!

    1. Hi, Gorjan,

      I know, that sucks. All our travel plans for this year have been disrupted for various reasons.

      Your friend is not lying. It’s something you have to experience at least once in your life. I hope you visit sometime soon and see for yourself.

      Feel free to check out my other posts in the meantime. Thanks for commenting. 🙂

  2. Thank you for this interesting article. As you know, I was a little put off by the Día de Muertos. But you will forgive me because I didn’t know anything about it. Your information truly explained it to me.
    I love the beautiful orange flowers featured in the photos and the video. To me they represent life and warmth. And now I understand about the skeleton and that it represents an offering and La Catrina.
    I admire the Mexican people for being able to celebrate in the midst of honoring the dead. It is true that we live on in the memories of our loved ones.
    Tell your friend Ford Quarterman that he is a talent videographer and a compassionate interviewer. His time in the cemetery was truly inspirational. And I admire his bilingual skills. I didn’t miss a thing despite his back and forth translations.
    I really enjoyed this article.

    1. Hi, Barbara,

      Glad you liked it! There is so much misinformation about this tradition. Some people find it scary or don’t understand it at first, but once they learn more about it, they love it.

      It is a very special tradition that has survived the passage of time. I hope it remains this way.

      Ford does a great job in his videos. I’ll let him know about your comment.

      Thanks for commenting. 🙂

  3. This was fascinating to read. Like most people, I have seen and heard about it, but never realised just how big of a tradition, or how long-standing, it actually is. I would love to travel to Mexico during this celebration. Do lots of tourists visit Mexico particularly to partake in this event (or just observe it)?
    Cheers,
    Gareth

    1. Hi, Gareth,

      Yes, it’s a big thing in Mexico. I’d say it’s the most important festivity in the country after Independence Day in September.

      In answer to your question, yes, many tourists visit us from abroad during those days. There are many places where you can go: Mexico City, Patzcuaro, Oaxaca, etc.

      I hope you visit someday and see for yourself. You’ll love it.
      Thanks for commenting.

  4. I think it’s a nice tradition. In my country, we celebrate neither Halloween nor Día de Muertos, but on November 1 it is All Saints, which means people go to cemeteries, light a lot of candles on their family graves, and put many flowers there. It is for all people, not only for catholic or any religion.
    I like that Día de Muertos is a happy festivity, with food, candies, and toys.
    And I didn’t know it listed as UNESCO’s heritage as well.
    Thank you for this article about Día de Muertos, Enrique, it is an interesting read!

    1. Hey, Lenka,

      Really? I thought Halloween was a worldwide thing, but now I see it’s not.

      I’d like to see how other people celebrate or remember their loved ones during those days. Hopefully soon.

      Thanks for commenting. 🙂

  5. Hi Enrique,

    I agree with other commenters – this was a fascinating article! I have seen Coco and read a little bit about Día de los Muertos before, but not so many details, and not all of its indigenous roots. I have always thought

    1. Whoops, I didn’t mean to cut my comment off.

      – I have always thought that Día de los Muertos was an absolutely beautiful tradition. I wish we had something similar to help ease the passing of loved ones – I actually just lost my grandpa, and wish I could have done something for him like people do in Mexico on this day. It’s such a beautiful way to remember and stay connected with those we’ve lost after they’re gone.

      Thank you so much for such a fascinating, informative article!
      ~Jade

      1. Hi, Jade,

        Oh, I’m sorry to hear about your grandpa. It’s always sad to see our loved ones go. I know from experience.

        I hope you visit Mexico someday around these dates so you can experience it for yourself. Thanks for commenting.

  6. I love Dia de Muertos! It is such a beautiful tradition, and I also love the history behind it. I am so glad that the Spanish failed in wiping out this tradition.
    It was certainly interesting to learn about the origins of the Catrina, because I had always wondered about that. It is great that artists like Jose Guadalupe Posada created her and Diego Rivera kept her alive.
    The calaveritas are a lot of fun! I work in a school in Baja California Sur and every year the students write calaveritas about teachers. They also wrote one about me and it was so sweet. This year we had no celebration due to the pandemic, but pan de muerto and the sugar skulls were still sold in stores.
    I come from Belgium and there we celebrate All Saint’s Day. Before I came to Mexico I never celebrated Halloween and I did not know about the Dia de Muertos and its history. The first time I experienced Dia de Muertos was incredible. It is amazing every year.

    1. Hi, Christine,

      Yes, it’s a beautiful tradition that we must keep alive.

      They wrote a calaverita about you? That’s so cool! You must be somewhat creative to write one. It sounds easy, but it’s not.

      Ugh, the pandemic. Yes, it disrupted our everyday lives…everything. Hopefully, we’ll go back to normal soon.

      Glad to hear you’ve experienced this day. Thanks for commenting. 🙂

  7. Such an interesting read! Thank you so much, Enrique. And I am glad that the Spaniards aka the Catholics haven’t been able to impose all of their celebrations on Mexico. The arrogance in those days to think one belief is better than the other. And unfortunately this goes on into our days.

    Over here in Spain November the 1st is a national holiday. People go to their place of birth to remember deceased family members. And because Spain is not able to control the virus they especially put a lockdown in place to prevent the travelling. I am not sure if it was to any effect.

    Hmm, I seem a little bit negative, given my last remarks. I didn’t mean to. 🙂 I am in nature an optimistic person, yet with a critical mind! The good news is that I understood most of the poem! So my Spanish is improving. I like the last sentence: less talk, more action. Yeah!

    (Oh, and BTW, since I saw your reply to Lenka: we never celebrated Halloween in the Netherlands. It’s only grown into a custom in recent years due to the Americanization of the young people)

    1. Hi, Hannie,

      Yes, it’s a pity that many traditions didn’t survive the passage of time, but fortunately, a few did.

      I’ve heard about the Spanish celebration, although I’ve never been there. I hope to visit someday and see it for myself.

      It seems Halloween is very popular among the younger crowds everywhere. In Mexico, it’s very popular, and we’re doing our best to keep it apart from Dia de Muertos, as they are two totally different things.

      Thanks for commenting.

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