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Writer's pictureKylee Turner

Honoring Life and Memory: The Heartfelt Traditions of Día de los Muertos

Updated: Oct 31

I have a love-hate relationship with Halloween. On one hand, I think dressing up, going to Halloween parties with friends and eating candy is pretty awesome. On the other hand, horror movies give me nightmares and I am the victim of many-a-jumpscare. I bet you can see now why it’s a bittersweet experience for me.


Throughout October, we tell spooky stories about ghosts, phantoms and hauntings, but it’s easy to forget about the stories that we might have stashed away in a box or encapsulated in photographs of our family members that have passed. That’s why I love the traditional Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos, traditionally referred to as Día de Muertos. This annual holiday is all about family and friends gathering together to honor those that have passed from this life. 


I am by no means an expert on Día de los Muertos, but I did want to share a couple things that I learned about the holiday with you!


On November 1st and November 2nd, families dedicate time to celebrate, honor and welcome the spirits of family and friends that have died. On November 1st, families remember and honor children, toddlers and babies, calling the day Día de los Angelitos, The Day of the Little Angels. On November 2nd, they honor and remember adults and friends on the true Día de Muertos, meaning The Day of the Dead.


Celebrations often include creating an ofrenda, or altar, to honor the loved-ones that have died. The altars can be decorated with photos of the loved one, flowers, sculptures, tapestries, traditional food, candles, water pitchers, paper banners, incense, religious symbols and sugar skulls. The time and effort put into each of these ofrendas, is such a sweet labor of love. The ofrendas are important, as the belief is that the dead are able to visit their families during these celebrations, with the ofrendas serving as a guide.


c/o: Bruno Cervera Pexels

Other traditions include festivals, carnivals, and grave cleanings. Taking the time to honor and pay respects to the dead each year is a truly special practice. Learning more about Día de los Muertos reminded me of the importance of celebrating the lives of those who have passed, learning from their experiences and finding joy in the memories. It’s reminded me most of all that our connections are not temporary.


I hope you have a wonderful Halloween season, and if you decide to celebrate Día de los Muertos this year, we’d love to hear how you add it to your festivities! I think I’ll pay a visit to my grandpas’ graves. It’s been a few years, and they both deserve a visit.

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