"El Dia de los Muertos" celebration in Mexico takes place October 28th to November 2nd depending on the region.
Each day is dedicated to a specific group of people:
- October 28th for those who died in an accidental or violent deaths
- October 29th for individuals who drowned
- October 30th for forgotten and lonely souls
- October 31st for unborn children
- November 1st for deceased children
- November 2nd for adults who died a natural death, as well as other deceased adults
Learn About The History
Prehispanic cultures believed that when someone died, they start their travel to Mictlán or underworld which lasted four days. Upon arrival they offered gifts to Señores del Mictlán. There they would pass a series of obstacles until they reach the eternal rest. The indigenous cultures buried their dead with objects that were used when they were alive and objects that may be useful during their travels to Mictlán.
After the Spanish conquest, this festivity was combined with the Catholic celebrations of innocent saints and all saints days on November 1st and 2nd respectively. Nevertheless, in many areas of Mexico, November 1st is dedicated to the remembrance of children and November 2nd to adults.
In 2003 UNESCO recognized ¶Ùò¹ de Muertos as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Ofrenda or Altars
The altars represent the offering we give to our loved ones. The goal is to remember and honor them.
The altar can have various number of levels, a two level represents heaven and earth and a three-level heaven, earth and purgatory. Seven levels is considered the traditional and symbolizes the stages to reach the eternal rest.
The ofrendas have many key elements that vary depending on the region. Some represent earth, wind, water, and fire. The most commons are:
- Water – it alleviates thirst and symbolizes the soul purity.
- Salt – purification of the dead during their travels.
- Cempasuchil flowers – their color and smell guide the dead to the world of the living.
- Pan de muerto – represents the skeleton and symbolizes the earth.
- Candles – they are the light the guides our oved one to the world of the living.
- Copal or incense – it purifies the environment.
- Papel picado – represents the wind and joy of life.
- Food – it is the favorite dishes of our loved one.
- Fruit – represents the joy of life.
- Photo of our loved one – the person we are honoring and remembering.
- Calaveras – represents the skull and death.