One of the most important elements of Día de los Muertos is a traditional altar, or ofrenda, to honor those who have gone before. Let’s take a look at some of the ways Mexicans celebrate this traditional day. Common Día de los Muertos traditionsĭay of the Dead celebrations include a variety of traditions, some of which have become synonymous with Mexican culture outside of Mexico. The first is All Saints Day, the date on the Catholic calendar when people pray for all the saints who have departed, and the second is All Souls Day, a time to say prayers for departed loved ones. The idea of Día de los Muertos is to encourage visits from lost loved ones to share food, drink, and celebrations.Īs previously mentioned, the modern Day of the Dead celebration also incorporates elements of two holidays from Catholicism. Traditional belief holds that during Dia de los Muertos festivities, the deceased can awaken from their eternal sleep in the spirit world and enjoy a brief reunion with their families. At its heart, it acknowledges death as a natural part of the human experience. When the Spanish invaded and forced conversion to Catholicism, those religious beliefs mingled with indigenous practices to form the basis of the modern holiday.ĭía de los Muertos is foremost a day of joy, not mourning. Like many aspects of Mexican heritage and culture, it combines colonial traditions and the beliefs of the indigenous people who first lived in the country.ĭay of the Dead celebrations originated in southern Mexico more than 3,000 years ago with the Mesoamericans who lived in what is now Mexico and Central America. About Remitly A brief history of Día de los Muertosĭía de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, began from the European Catholic traditions of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day and from Aztec rituals that honored the deceased.

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