Dia de los Muertos-The Day of the Dead- is often confused as either a Mexican version of Halloween or a dark, evil fixation. Neither of these is true. Instead, Dia de los Muertos is a two-day celebration bursting with color joviality and soulful mysticism. Beginning on November 1st, deceased relatives are said to return to the mortal world to visit their loved ones as honored guests at a party prepared for their arrival.

 

Rather than insult the dead with a somber reception, the emphasis of the celebration is to enjoy the food, drinks, and activities that the deceased would have enjoyed in life. To welcome the departed spirits, the living prepare elaborate altars on which they place food, drinks, candles, photos of the deceased, and incense. Pan de muertos (bread of the dead) and sugar skeletons are traditional treats enjoyed during the festivities, while all decorations are prepared to create an atmosphere of rejoicing.

 

Dia de los muertos
An Ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos – this is an altar for the ones being celebrated. Photo by Chuchomotas

 

The overarching desire of the celebration is to demystify the tragedy of death, and instead embrace the end of the physical body as an important part of the circle of life. Although the festivities are celebrated throughout Latin America, the traditions are born out of the pre-Columbian cultures of the Aztecs, Olmecs, and Mayans, and most closely related to Mexico today.

 

A mingling of Tex-Mex cultures means the spirit of Dia de los Muertos is also alive and well in the Lone Star State, where tiny border towns and major metropolitan cities alike celebrate the return of the spirits of the dead to the land of the living.