This multi-day holiday is celebrated in Mexico and Latin America between October 31-Nov 2.  Here amongst the beautiful diversity of the US, we find celebrations and ornamentation that is also highighting the festivities, but how can we ensure we understand the difference?  Let’s learn more.  

Day of the Dead or Dia de Muertos has pre-Christian, Aztec origins, and honors loved ones who have passed with offerings of foods and drinks. It’s believed that during this time the spirits of those who have passed return closer to the world of the living to visit with those they’ve left behind.  Ani, our overseas partner in Mexico also shares, “This holiday is very special that it unites the families and it brings them together to cherish the life of their loved ones.”

In the Halloween traditions, ancient European pagans also believed that during this time of year the veil between this world and the after life was thin and these traditions and beliefs eventually became the secularly celebrated form of Halloween.

Catching up with Melissa, an au pair in the US from Mexico, she says:

Day of the Dead is a two day holiday that reunites the living and dead. Families create ofrendas (offerings) to honor their departed family members that have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the one being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods and join in the celebrations. Day of the Dead is a rare holiday for celebrating death and life. It is unlike any holiday where mourning is exchanged for celebration.  Above is a shot of Melissa celebrating the life of her host children’s grandmother with a traditional alter in her honor.

Learn more about Day of the Dead:
And share your own Day of the Dead and Halloween celebrations with globalawareness@aifs.com.