Isaac and I often take a lot of heat for skipping the popular American holiday of Thanksgiving. For our family, we use the week off from school to visit other countries and experience other cultures as a way to celebrate the natives of all parts of the world. Even though wee don’t celebrate Columbus Day and Thanksgiving, we do enjoy celebrating less popular holidays that are important to our familial cultures. I am a mixed, mulatto from New Orleans and Isaac is full Mexican-American so we have a unique opportunity to immerse our children in their heritage in a lot of ways. One of my favorite holidays is Dia de los Muertos.
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican holiday that dates back thousands of years, with roots in Aztec traditions. Far from being a day of mourning, this celebration is a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away by celebrating their lives with joy, color, and love. Taking place on November 1st and 2nd, Dia de los Muertos is a beautiful fusion of indigenous beliefs and Catholic influences, brought together in a way that is uniquely Mexican.
The celebration embraces death as a natural part of life and focuses on the belief that, for these two days, the spirits of the deceased return to the world of the living to reunite with their families. The central component of the holiday is the ofrenda (offering), a home altar decorated with photos of the deceased, marigolds (known as cempasúchil), and favorite foods and drinks of those who have passed.
Preparing an Ofrenda on the Front Porch
Each year, we set up our ofrenda outside, filled with vibrant colors and personal touches. It includes photos of our relatives who are no longer with us, marigold flowers (which are said to guide spirits back), candles, and some of their favorite items. This public display invites our neighbors and friends to join in the celebration, making it a communal event.
Favorite Foods and Drinks
We cook the favorite foods of our loved ones, such as carnitas, and make their favorite drinks—our family’s go-to is a refreshing margarita. This act of cooking and sharing their beloved dishes is a way to connect with their memories and welcome their spirits back for the celebration. We also include homemade Pan de Muerto, the traditional sweet bread of the holiday. Recipe coming soon!
Inviting Friends and Neighbors to Share in the Celebration
Since Dia de los Muertos is a time for reflection and community, we encourage guests to bring a photo of their own loved ones and perhaps a dish or snack they enjoyed. It’s heartwarming to hear stories of others’ relatives, creating a space where we all connect through the memories of those we’ve lost.
Face Painting for the Kids
To make the celebration even more fun for the kids, we sometimes have face painting, where they can transform into traditional sugar skulls. This keeps the younger ones engaged while also teaching them about the significance of the holiday in a way they can enjoy.
Sharing Stories of Our Loved Ones
Perhaps the most meaningful part of the evening is when we gather around to talk about our loved ones. We make sure our children know the names and stories of family members they never got a chance to meet. For us, Dia de los Muertos is about passing down these memories and ensuring that they live on in the hearts of future generations. As an added bonus, celebrating life along side mourning death enables us to give our kids, age-appropriate ways to talk about death and loss in a way that is balanced.
Why We Celebrate Dia de los Muertos is about more than just paying respects; it’s about celebrating the joy, humor, and love that our lost loved ones brought into our lives. In our family, this holiday helps bridge the gap between generations, and it’s important to us that our children grow up feeling connected to those who came before them. If you’re looking to embrace Dia de los Muertos or want to learn more about the traditions, we invite you to celebrate with us. Stay tuned for additional posts on planning a Dia de los Muertos party and baking Pan De Muerto (small-hands welcome). Whether it’s through creating your own ofrenda or simply sharing a story of a loved one, this holiday reminds us all that while the physical presence of our loved ones may be gone, their spirit continues to live on.
How Do You Celebrate? We would love to hear how you celebrate or plan to celebrate Dia de los Muertos! Drop a comment below and share your traditions or any tips for making this holiday extra special. Let’s celebrate the lives of those who have passed together.
How We Celebrate Dia de los Muertos
Our family has embraced this beautiful holiday as a meaningful way to keep the memories of our lost loved ones alive, and we love sharing the tradition with our friends and neighbors. Here’s how we make the most of this special celebration:
Preparing an Ofrenda on the Front Porch
Each year, we set up our ofrenda outside, filled with vibrant colors and personal touches. It includes photos of our relatives who are no longer with us, marigold flowers (which are said to guide spirits back), candles, and some of their favorite items. This public display invites our neighbors and friends to join in the celebration, making it a communal event.
Favorite Foods and Drinks
We cook the favorite foods of our loved ones, such as carnitas, and make their favorite drinks—our family’s go-to is a refreshing margarita. This act of cooking and sharing their beloved dishes is a way to connect with their memories and welcome their spirits back for the celebration. We also include homemade Pan de Muerto, the traditional sweet bread of the holiday. Recipe coming soon!
Inviting Friends and Neighbors to Share in the Celebration
Since Dia de los Muertos is a time for reflection and community, we encourage guests to bring a photo of their own loved ones and perhaps a dish or snack they enjoyed. It’s heartwarming to hear stories of others’ relatives, creating a space where we all connect through the memories of those we’ve lost.
Face Painting for the Kids
To make the celebration even more fun for the kids, we sometimes have face painting, where they can transform into traditional sugar skulls. This keeps the younger ones engaged while also teaching them about the significance of the holiday in a way they can enjoy.
Sharing Stories of Our Loved Ones
Perhaps the most meaningful part of the evening is when we gather around to talk about our loved ones. We make sure our children know the names and stories of family members they never got a chance to meet. For us, Dia de los Muertos is about passing down these memories and ensuring that they live on in the hearts of future generations. As an added bonus, celebrating life along side mourning death enables us to give our kids, age-appropriate ways to talk about death and loss in a way that is balanced.
Why We Celebrate Dia de los Muertos is about more than just paying respects; it’s about celebrating the joy, humor, and love that our lost loved ones brought into our lives. In our family, this holiday helps bridge the gap between generations, and it’s important to us that our children grow up feeling connected to those who came before them. If you’re looking to embrace Dia de los Muertos or want to learn more about the traditions, we invite you to celebrate with us. Stay tuned for additional posts on planning a Dia de los Muertos party and baking Pan De Muerto (small-hands welcome). Whether it’s through creating your own ofrenda or simply sharing a story of a loved one, this holiday reminds us all that while the physical presence of our loved ones may be gone, their spirit continues to live on.
How Do You Celebrate? We would love to hear how you celebrate or plan to celebrate Dia de los Muertos! Drop a comment below and share your traditions or any tips for making this holiday extra special. Let’s celebrate the lives of those who have passed together.
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