Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
People gather in traditional clothing and face paint to celebrate the Day of the Dead.
November 1, 2021
Halloween is celebrated in many other countries, not just in the U.S., however, it’s celebrated differently.
In Mexico, they celebrate a day where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a reunion. It’s called Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead.
Halloween is celebrated for one day on October 31th, but in Mexico this celebration is two days on November 1st and 2nd. The first day of November is the day of the children or “el dia de los inocentes,” in which according to Mexican tradition, the gates of Heaven open up and the spirits of children can be happy with families for 24 hours.
The second day of November is All Saints Day or Día de los Muertos, and the spirits of the adults can do the same with their families.
For the reunion, families put up an ofrenda, which comprises photos and favorite foods and drinks of loved ones who have passed away. They also have a celebration in which they would go around the streets in Mexico City and have parades.
They dress up in traditional Mexican clothes, flowered shirts and colorful skirts, and paint themselves to look like a skeleton because it’s a symbol of life after death. The celebration also signifies prayer and remembrance of family members who have passed on.
Does your country celebrate Halloween? If so, how does it celebrate it?
