Day of the Dead in Mexico, also known as Dia De Los Muertos, is a day to celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed on. It’s a day filled with food, music, and dance! This day is celebrated from October 31st through November 2nd and includes many traditions that are both fun and informative for those who want to learn more about Mexican culture. Let's take a closer look at everything there is to know about Day of the Dead!
Day of the Dead is full of tradition and celebration. It's easy for anyone who wishes to learn more about Mexican culture or simply enjoy food and music with family members all day long. You'll want to make sure you don't miss this day because it’s an event that should be both fun and informative.
Today, we're going to take a closer look at what Dia de los Muertos actually means in Mexico.
History Behind Day Of The Dead
The Day of the Dead is actually an ancient Aztec tradition that was later adopted by European culture. This day has been around for hundreds of years, but many Mexicans believe its origins date back much earlier than that!
The day to celebrate friends and family members originated from a legend in which people would attend their loved ones' graves on November first, then they were visited again on December 31st for New Year's Day celebrations.
Over time, this day has evolved into what we know today as Dia de los Muertos! Not only do you get to visit with your families who have passed away but you also get to enjoy some amazing traditions like sugar skulls and marigolds or make the trek down Mexico where there are masked dancers parading through towns.
It’s truly something worth celebrating!
It may seem confusing at first when it comes to Day of the Dead traditions but there’s a lot to learn. You'll want to keep reading because we're going to dive deep into Day of the Dead events and explore what it means in Mexico!
When is Day of the Dead in Mexico?
Dia de los Muertos in Mexico starts late on October 31st and is celebrated through November 2nd.
What do you do each day during Dias De Los Muertos?
Each day signifies something different...
On October 31st:
Families will gather to remember loved ones who have passed on throughout the day. This is also a day where many Mexican communities come together and both share their memories of friends, family members, and others they knew while eating food and lay offerings on the ofrendas (home alters).
You may want to include your favorite traditional dishes on an ofrenda! There are tons of unique sweets you could try like Pan Dulce De Los Muertos which has sugar skulls on it or calaveritas-dulces en formas de cascarones o huevos (Mexican sweet bread shaped like eggs or skull candies)! You can also make them at home if you're feeling up to the challenge!
They are also kicked off with traditional foods such as pan de muerto (bread made from sugar cane) or buñuelos (a deep-fried Mexican pastry). These are both eaten because they signify life through their sweetness!
In the evening of October 31st, there’s a traditional ritual called “alumbrado” where people get together to light candles on both sides of their homes. That way when they come back from visiting family tombs all day long they can see their path until morning. It symbolizes the departure of spirits into heaven during the day as well as a prayer to help bring them safely home again before sunrise if possible.
On November 1st:
This day starts with masses at churches or temples followed by more community events like parades in towns that are masked dancers!
Later that night, many families dress up like skeletons (called "Calaveras") dressed up in colorful garments depicting Aztec gods like Quetzalcoatl. They also put out the food and marigolds for their departed loved ones.
This day ends with some cities hosting a traditional parade called "La Catrina" in which people dress up as skeletons to remember those who have died. The skull-shaped masks remind us that death is just part of life.
On November 2nd:
On this day, many families head to cemeteries and spend their day communing with the dead. This day is also known as "All Souls' Day" in other cultures!
In Mexico, it's a time of reflection on those who have passed away which symbolizes the end for now but not forever. The spirits are watching over us so they can always be close even when we're apart.
I hope you have enjoyed learning more about Dia de los Muertos and why it is so important in our culture. If you have any more questions, please leave a comment down below and I will do my best to answer them all!
YayaOrchid
Just found your blog and love it! I am adding you to my blog list. Thank you for sharing such wonderful recipes!
Karen Anne
In the photo under the flowers photo, what are those orange and chocolate things in the lower left corner? Are those sweet potato candies? Thanks.
Mexico in my kitchen
Hello Karen Anne,
Picture number 3 has Crystallized Pumpkin the one with a dark brown color and the sweet potato has an orange color. One of these day I will make the sweet potato and post it in the blog.
Thanks for visiting.
Mexico in my kitchen
Thank you Yaya!
Mely
Tania on the Hill
SOLO NOSTALGIA Y ANTOJOS DESPERTASTES CON ESTE ARTICULO.
GRACIAS MELY, POR RECORDARME ESTO YO TAMBIEN VOY A PUBLICAR UN ARTICULO ACERCA DE ESTO.
TANIA.
Gloria
Hi, just thought I would pop in and tell you those photos are just great. I love all the vivid colors. I posted my dia post as well. I always look forward to all yor posts. Take care Mely.
Prieta
Great pictures Mely! I know día de muertos should be fun and happy but I'm feeling a little blue about it this year. Your pictures brought a smile to my face. Thanks.
Peanutts
hello, 🙂 just saw your post on rebecca's and decided to check it out:) never tasted authentic mexican dish but have tried making some on my own:) mainly because I love spicy food :). have a nice day.
Mexico in my kitchen
Hello Tania,
I liked your post descrbing the celebration.
Hi, Gloria. You have a large offering this year.
Hola Prieta,
Me pasa lo mismo, esta vez si me dio mucha nostalgia, mi hermano me envio las fotos y me puso un poco triste.
Saludos,
Mely
Mexico in my kitchen
Hello Peanuts,
Welcome to my blog. I am also looking forward to learn about the food of your country.
Mely
Pam
Dazzling photos and what a great market! I'm so glad I found your blog and will follow as I see lots of great recipes. I'll be looking around now.
Karen Anne
I should have thought to refer to the photos my count. It was photo #5 that I was asking about. In its lower left hand corner there are orange things with what looks like chocolate on top.
NORA
Mely que magnífica entrada sobre el Día de Muertos! me encantaron las imágenes.
Este año cocinamos una inmensa cazuela de calabaza en tacha deliciosa! Te enviaré imágenes.
Un abrazo
Mexico in my kitchen
Hi KAren Anne,
If you are talking about the one next to the yellow and bright green little caskets. Those are small clay pots filled with fake Mexican red rice and green peas and Mole with sesame seeds on top. Since that is one of the most love dishes of Mexicans, some people instead of cooking, buy the miniature representation and place it on their offering to their love ones.
The other dishes next to it represent other favorite meals like Sopes, flautas, etc.
Thanks for coming back.
Mley
Ana Powell
Nice to be acquainted.
I am a Chow and Chatter follower.
Great work ♥
Gabriela, clavo y canela
Que lindas fotos!cuanto color, gracias por enlazarme 🙂
Es la ofrenda de mi suegra ;), yo no pongo ofrenda :).
besitos!
Gaby
LeAnn
Beautiful pictures. We've been in Mexico when this was being celebrated. A lovely thing.
Al Dente Gourmet
Mely, What a beautiful tradition! The flowers, the bread...just amazing!!!
Thank you for sharing!
Abrazotes, Presiosas Fotos, Aldy 🙂
La Dama
que bonitas fotos..ay los panes,dulces y las flores..a mi se me olvidaron las flores..andaba tan apurada..ya visted las fotos de catrina?
Art by Ruth Sagrario Macotela
Que bella forma de recordar a los que ya no estan con nosotros, y lo mejor es que esta tradicion esta declarada como patrimonio Mundial y pues en estas fechas todos viran sus ojos hacia este hermoso pais Mexico. Me encanta el pan de muerto, aunque el sabor es totalmente diferente a el original de alla que por su puesto es mas rico 🙂
soy fan de ese dulce de calabaza(el blanco con semillitas negras) y cada que puedo ir a una tienda mexicana me compro uno.
Saludos Mely y espero que ya te sientas mejor de Salud.
XO♥
Alexandra Gillette McStay
Hola!
Me encata tu blog.
Mirando la foto con las frutas - me encata el camote! No tienes por acaso una receta para hacer lo?
Gracias!
Ale
Mexico in my kitchen
Hola Alexandra,
Si tengo, por favor contactame via email para enviartelas.
Saludos,
Mely
Yuliña
I have just discovered your website. It’s beautiful and very educational. I have already started trying out your recipes and they are DELICIOUS !