Mexico's Día de Muertos

Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead as we know it, is an annual celebration in Mexico to celebrate the dead. But it’s not to be confused with Halloween, oh no! Día de Muertos is about welcoming death as a part of life, and a day of remembrance, love, and respect for those that have passed. You’ll have definitely seen a calavera (sugar skull) before - bright colours and smiling skeletons behave as a friendly nod to death.

Aztec mythology serves as the root of this celebration, where a month-long festival would revere the goddess Mictecacihuatl (mik-te-kas-ee-wah-tul) for protecting and guiding the spirits of those who had died into the afterlife. You see, Día de Muertos is rooted in ancient Mesoamerican religious tradition… so comparing it to Halloween almost completely misses the mark! Besides, it’s celebrated on different days: November the 1st and 2nd.

Day of the Dead celebrations vary, depending on which part of Mexico you go. Some cities line the streets with stars and paper chains, while others enjoy a traditional Mexican meal with family. In other areas (like Patzcuaro), you’re likely to see candlelit boats crossing a lake in order to get to the cemetery. In each location though, you’ll always find vibrant marigolds, friendly skeletons, and the crucial ofrenda (an altar of sorts, which displays offerings to the honoured deceased).

It’s not a unique act to honour or celebrate the dead, but the way Mexico embraces their Día de Muertos is truly unparalleled.

BY HOLLY GARWOOD, 28TH OCTOBER 2024