El día de los Muertos or “The Day of the Dead” goes back some 3,000 years ago. It’s a day to celebrate life, death, and to honor the deceased.

This holiday takes place on November 1st-2nd and is widely celebrated in Mexico where it was largely developed. The Day of the Dead is observed in other places around the world, especially by people who have a Mexican or Hispanic heritage. 

The holiday is celebrated by setting up an ofrenda which translates to “offering.” The ofrenda consists of an altar with items that the departed enjoyed in their lifetime, this includes drinks, different foods, photos of them, small personal belongings, candles, yellow and orange decorations, and salt to purify the souls of the beloved ones. It is believed that by setting this up and showing memory of their loved ones, they can cross over from the afterlife and join the living to be with their families for one night. 

Flowers also play a big role in The Day of the Dead. The Marigold is the national symbol of the festival, which is to remind people of life. The fragrance from the different flowers is supposed to draw in the souls and guide them to where they are wanted. The flowers’ bright and vibrant colors also lift emotions, instead of people being sad about the deceased no longer being here, the flowers remind them of life and uplifted moments they have had in the past with them. 

Skulls are often thought of as a sign of evil and negativity but the calaveras or sugar skulls are another important symbol for the holiday, they are meant to represent the departed souls. Skulls are also said to ward off illnesses and evil spirits.