When I moved to Mexico, one thing that I was extremely excited about was the fact that I had the opportunity to be immersed in Dia de los Muertos celebrations every year. I’ve always been intrigued by the Mexican perspective of death in comparison to its treatment in the United States.
This year, 2024 was by far the most authentic and enjoyable that I’ve experienced so far. I spent it with my Mexican sisters and was finally able to see not one, but two cemeteries. I even created an alter (or ofrenda) in my home this year. Here’s everything that we did (the tour of Atlixco is a separate video already posted on my channel). All other events here are included in this compilation video:
Tour of Atlixco, Valley of Catrinas (see Atlixco video)
Tour of Cempasuchil fields in Atlixco
Fantasy Lab’s production of Dia de Muertos
Mega ofrendas at the university (UNAM)
San Antonio Tecómitl town and cemetery famous for the ofrendas decorating contest
Mixquic town and cemetery
For anyone not familiar with the festivities, here’s an overview:
Día de los Muertos: Mexico's Celebration of Life and Death
Origins and Meaning
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican celebration that blends pre-Hispanic indigenous traditions with Catholic influences. Unlike Halloween, which often treats death with fear, this holiday celebrates death as a natural part of life's cycle. The belief is that during November 1-2, the spiritual veil is thinned and the spirits of deceased loved ones return to the world of the living to reunite with their families.
Traditional Elements and Symbols
Ofrendas (Altars)
The centerpiece of Día de los Muertos celebrations is the ofrenda, a multi-tiered altar created in homes and public spaces. These altars contain:
- Photos of deceased loved ones
- Pan de muerto (special bread made for the occasion)
- Cempasúchil (marigold flowers) whose strong scent is believed to guide spirits home
- Candles to light the way for returning souls
- The deceased's favorite foods and drinks
- Personal items that belonged to the departed
La Catrina
The iconic skeleton lady in elegant dress, La Catrina, was originally created by artist José Guadalupe Posada in the early 20th century. She began as a satirical commentary on Mexican society's embrace of European customs but has evolved into the holiday's most recognizable symbol.
Tradition Practices
Cemetery Visits
Families spend time cleaning and decorating graves with marigolds, candles, and offerings. Many stay overnight in the cemetery, sharing stories about their departed loved ones while enjoying food and music.
Food and Drink
Special dishes are prepared, including:
- Pan de muerto, a sweet bread decorated with bone-shaped pieces
- Calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls) with decorated with colorful designs
- Traditional Mexican dishes that were favorites of the deceased
- Atole, a warm, thick beverage made from corn flour
Art and Craft Traditions
- Paper cutting (papel picado) creates intricate decorative banners
- Face painting to resemble skulls and skeletons
- Creation of miniature skeleton scenes depicting daily life activities
Hollywood's Influence and Modern Popularization
Major Cultural Shifts
The international popularity of Día de los Muertos has grown significantly through Hollywood productions:
- Pixar's "Coco" (2017) brought unprecedented global attention to the celebration, accurately portraying many traditions while creating an emotionally resonant story
- "The Book of Life" (2014) introduced audiences to the holiday's core themes of remembrance and family
- James Bond's "Spectre" (2015) opened with a massive Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City, which inspired the city to create an actual annual parade
Impact on Traditional Celebrations
Hollywood's influence has led to both positive and challenging developments:
- Increased global awareness has helped preserve and document traditions
- Tourism around the holiday has grown substantially
- Some commercialization has occurred, with marketing of holiday-themed products
- Growing interest has helped younger generations connect with their cultural heritage
- Traditional practices are being adapted for modern urban settings
Despite its increasing global popularity and modern adaptations, Día de los Muertos remains deeply rooted in Mexican culture, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of family, memory, and the celebration of life through acknowledging death.
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