The Day of the Dead

Proudly Mexican, Claudia shares the meaning of the Day of the Dead and the traditions and festivities that surround this important festival.

By Claudia Benavides

In Mexico, we celebrate death annually and, with it, our gastronomy and folklore. The Day of the Dead—known as Día de los Muertos in Spanish—is one of the most important festivals in our culture. The celebrations vary from state to state, and town to town; however, they have the same purpose throughout the country—to bring families together to welcome their loved ones who return for the day.

Throughout the country, we build altars for our deceased that showcase our traditions, our pre-Hispanic ancestral beliefs, and endless elements related to our deceased loved ones. Some common examples are candles, incense, paper-based artistry, skulls of sugar, cempazuchitl (marigolds), pan de muerto (special bread), photographs of the deceased, and their favorite food and drink (as the dead might be hungry and thirsty).

In the past, our ancestors would encourage their deceased loved ones to visit on this day by  making and decorating altars with flower petals and lighting candles, to serve as a beacon for the deceased. On this day, people on Earth visit the cemeteries to await their deceased loved ones, and enjoy festivities, like music, food, costumes (La Catrina), and flowers, in the meantime.

For Mexicans, the preparations for the Day of the Dead can be summed up in festivities, food and tradition. It is the opportunity to live with your loved ones again for a day; it is considered a celebration of memory and a ritual that privileges memory over oblivion.

 It’s without a doubt one of the most popular traditions in the world and one I am extremely proud of.

Photos courtesy of the author and Canva.

About the Author

Claudia is the mother of 3 children. She is a kitchen lover and proudly Mexican. She has lived in Thailand for 4 and a half years. Her love of Mexican food and missing Mexico has encouraged here to cook typical dishes from home and she focuses on typical Mexican breads, such as pan de elote (corn bread) and pan de muerto.

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