Día de Los Muertos—or Day of the Dead—is a Latinx holiday with roots in Mexico that celebrates life, death, and legacy. The holiday centers around the creation of altars, or ofrendas, which are covered in pictures and objects that represent the dead. The altars often contain elements of wind, fire, water, and earth, as well as sugar skulls and Pan de Muerto.
For me, the holiday is about digging deep into my Mexican roots and reconnecting with my heritage. It’s about honoring our ancestors and celebrating the continuity of life and love. And it’s about creating altars that reflect the joy, the sorrow, and the spiritual essence of those we’ve lost.
The History and Significance of Dia de los Muertos
Día de Los Muertos has its roots in Mexico, where the holiday is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. The holiday originated with the Aztec empire and later evolved into a mix of traditions from both indigenous and the Roman Catholic church in Mexico. To prepare for the arrival of their ancestors, the people would create altars covered in pictures and objects that represented the dead. They would also leave out food and drink, as they believed that the spirits would be hungry after their journey.
How to Celebrate Dia de los Muertos
Families in Mexico prepare for the spirit's arrival by cleaning the graves at cemeteries and building ofrendas both in cemeteries and at home. One of the best ways to celebrate Día de Los Muertos is to create your own altar, or ofrenda. Your altar can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like. But, there are a few elements that are essential to any Day of the Dead altar.
What Dia de los Muertos Means to Me
Día de Los Muertos is a very personal holiday for me. It’s a time for me to remember my ancestors and celebrate my Mexican heritage. The holiday is also a time for me to reflect on the important people who have passed away in my life. This can be a difficult thing to do, but it’s also very healing. Creating an altar is a way for me to connect with my loved ones who have died. It’s a way for me to remember them and honor their memory. And, it’s also a way for me to feel closer to my Mexican roots. Day of the Dead is a very important part of my identity, and it’s a holiday that I cherish.