Dia de los Muertos: beyond the grave

Art by Jarisse Nabung

During the month of October there are many things to look forward to. Specifically Halloween with the candy, treats, toys, parties, and sugar coursing through your veins, it seems to be the most hyped up holiday in the month and possibly ever. Halloween has its specialties, but what about Dia de los Muertos?

Dia de Los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a cultural celebration mostly celebrated in Latin counties and communities to honor those who have passed on. However, it seems that some people might have forgotten about it from what I've seen or just not heard. I believe it should have more attention because of its beauty and significance as a holiday. 

This celebration is mostly celebrated at the end of the month of October, from the 31st all the way to the 2nd of November. Dia De Los Muertos is pretty similar to Halloween, with the sweets, ancestral background, traditions and much more. It's filled with beautiful traditions that are passed down generations and include so much culture and can create beautiful new experiences. The holiday is a symbol of remembrance of those who have passed down. It is believed that those souls who have passed on come back during those three days. 

Ofrendas

One of the biggest parts of Día de los Muertos is making an ofrenda, also known as an altar. These altars are created to honor past loved ones by placing their pictures alongside offerings like bread, candy, and their favorite treats or foods. The ofrendas are beautifully decorated with candles, vibrant marigold flowers, paper banners, and personal items to make them colorful and inviting. Each element is carefully chosen to welcome the spirits back. A key part of the altar is the sugar skull, a bright and festive symbol that represents the sweetness of life and the ever-present reality of death.

Sugar Skulls

Many of us, including myself, look forward to Halloween for the sugary aftermath of the night. Sure it's good to indulge for a day, but during the Day of the Dead celebrations there are so many more sweet and savory treats to look forward to. One, for instance, is sugar skulls, made from pure sugar or even chocolate. They’re made to represent the lost ones from before, being put on ofrendas with colorful decorations and patterns. They are usually personalized with the names of the deceased loved one to honor them. There are larger skulls made to represent adults and smaller ones made for children who have passed on. These colorful treats not only make the celebration more festive but also remind us how life and death are connected, honored with love and remembrance.

Marigolds (Flor de Muerto)

One of the most beautiful aspects of Día de los Muertos is the flowers that represent the holiday. Marigolds, also known as flor de muerto (Flower of the Dead), are believed to be the guide to bring people back to the world. With their bright orange color, they are put on the floor in a trail, or placed on ofrendas and graves in the shape of a cross or any shape. Their vibrant hue and strong scent are thought to attract the spirits, helping to light the way for their return and symbolizing the connection between the living and the dead. One of the amazing aspects of this is that they lead the dead to their favorite foods most of the time. 

Traditional Food

One of my favorite parts of any holiday is the food, and I'm sure for the dead it's the same way on the Day of the Dead. The traditional foods made for Dia De Los Muertos reflect Mexican culture and heritage. One of which is the pan de muerto (Bread of the Dead), a sweet, round bread decorated with bone-shaped design on the top. It is a classic piece on ofrendas and has a delicious impact on those who eat it. Tamales are also a very traditional and yummy food made as  a common offering and are enjoyed by families during the festivities. The act of making and sharing tamales is often a communal experience that brings families together. Alongside that is mole, typically served over chicken or pork, is a staple for special occasions like Día de los Muertos. It is placed on ofrendas because it represents the blend of indigenous and Spanish traditions, symbolizing cultural heritage. Making mole is seen as an act of love and dedication due to the time and effort required to create its deep, rich flavor. If we are being honest, if the food doesn't make the spirits want to come back, what will?!

Beverages are also a staple for Dia de los Muertos. With champurrado and atole, they serve as a delicious and comforting drink to have on the table while you're eating. Atole is prepared by combining masa (corn dough) with water or milk and infusing it with spices such as cinnamon and vanilla, creating a warm and creamy drink that provides comfort. Champurrado is a thicker, chocolate-infused version of atole that adds a rich, decadent twist. Both drinks are typically served alongside other traditional foods, providing warmth and nourishment to families as they gather to honor their loved ones. The act of sharing these comforting beverages during the festivities symbolizes togetherness and the joy of celebrating life, making them a cherished part of the holiday tradition.

Conclusion

Día de los Muertos is a wonderful way to connect the living with the dead, reminding us that love—and a few tasty treats—can transcend life and death. With colorful altars, sweet and savory foods, and laughter-filled gatherings, we celebrate not only our loved ones but also the joy of life itself. This holiday encourages us to embrace our cultural heritage and honor the past while having fun in the present. So, as we enjoy comforting drinks and delicious dishes, let's remember our loved ones with smiles and laughter, keeping their spirits alive in our hearts—and on our plates!