Why is All Souls’ Day celebrated? The meaning of Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is the day on which we honor and remember those who died.

The holiday, celebrated annually on November 1 and 2, is a joyful celebration that aims to commemorate the life of the deceased and keep it alive through shared memories.

The two-day festival is filled with bright, colorful decorations, traditional dishes and, above all, memories. Although this holiday originates in Mexico, it is also celebrated throughout Latin America and the United States.

Here you will find everything you need to know about this holiday.

When is All Saints’ Day celebrated?

The Day of the Dead is a two-day holiday that will begin in 2024 on Friday, November 1 and last throughout Saturday, November 2.

According to Day of the Dead information pagethe holiday begins at midnight on November 1 with a greeting of the spirits of deceased children, a celebration known as Dia de los Angelitos or Little Angels Day. The next day’s celebration commemorates the adults who have died, a day officially known as Dia de los Muertos.

Why is All Souls’ Day celebrated? What are the Day of the Dead celebrations like?

The Day of the Dead is celebrated to honor the memory of the deceased and preserve their memory. The holiday is a chance to bridge the gap between the living and the dead and to welcome deceased loved ones.

In Mexico, people celebrate by making rendas, or offerings, in their homes, churches and cemeteries. Each ofrenda is unique and may contain photos of the deceased as well as his or her favorite foods. Other items on the ofrenda may also include flowers, candles, incense, and pan de muerto, a traditional sweet bread.

It is also a tradition to visit the graves of the deceased. During the visit, loved ones will clean the graves of the deceased, decorate them with flowers and candles, and often also bring offerings of food and drinks. Visits take place on November 1 for deceased children and November 2 for deceased adults.

Traditions vary by region, but in many cases celebrations can last all night with music and dancing.

What is the significance of marigolds on Dia de los Muertos?

According to the Day of the Dead information website, marigolds are believed to lead the spirits of the dead to the ofrendas with their vibrant colors and strong scent. They are called “flor de muerto” or “flower of the dead”, which symbolizes “the beauty and fragility of life”.

Where is All Souls’ Day celebrated?

Although All Saints’ Day originated in Mexico, the holiday is celebrated in Latin America and around the world. According to the Day of the Dead information website, traditions and customs vary from country to country, but the core belief system surrounding the holiday is the same.

What is the history of Dia de los Muertos?

All Saints’ Day dates back hundreds of years to pre-colonial Mexico, when indigenous groups worshiped Mictecacihuatl, the Aztec goddess of death. After Spain colonized Mexico, this tradition was combined with the Roman Catholic celebration of All Saints’ Day.

Diana Leyva covers popular news and sites for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana