The Profound Celebration of Día de los Muertos
Written by Ruby Morales
Photography by Madi Guetzkow
Makeup by Mia Chei
Modeled by Lexi DiCicco, Atkia Farhana, & Ruby Morales
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2. It honors deceased loved ones and celebrates their lives through a blend of Indigenous and Catholic customs. The holiday is a time to communicate with the dead and to entice their spirits to return to celebrate with the living.
One of the central practices is creating an ofrenda, an altar, adorned with photos, favorite foods, and personal items of the deceased, along with vibrant decorations like marigolds, candles, and papel picado (cut paper). Families often visit cemeteries to decorate gravesites with flowers and candles, spending time reminiscing and sharing stories about those who have passed.
Community events, including parades and festivals, offer opportunities to participate in cultural activities, such as making sugar skulls or traditional foods like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and tamales. Homes are decorated with colorful symbols of the holiday, and many people wear traditional clothing or paint their faces to resemble calaveras (skulls). Lighting candles on the ofrenda or gravesite symbolizes the light that guides spirits back to the living world. Additionally, families may reflect on their loved ones by writing letters or creating memory books.
Ultimately, Día de los Muertos is not only a time for remembrance but also a vibrant celebration of life, emphasizing the enduring bonds between families and their ancestors. Through colorful altars, shared stories, and festive gatherings, the day fosters a sense of connection that transcends time, reminding us that those we love remain an integral part of our lives.
Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels) coincides with the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico on November 1st. This special day is dedicated to remembering and honoring children who have passed away, particularly those who died at a young age. It acknowledges the unique grief of losing a child and provides a space for families to celebrate their lives. Día de los Angelitos serves as a means for families to process their grief, offering rituals that create opportunities for healing as they come together to honor their lost children in a supportive environment.
The day is not solely about sorrow; it emphasizes the joy and innocence of childhood, encouraging families to remember the happy moments shared with their little ones.
Families create special ofrendas for their deceased children, often featuring toys, favorite foods, and colorful decorations. These offerings are intended to welcome the spirits back and provide comfort to the grieving family. The day is marked by bright colors, especially pastels, as well as symbols like angels and butterflies, which represent innocence and purity.
Ultimately, Día de los Angelitos is a poignant and heartfelt observance that allows families to honor the memories of their deceased children. It highlights the importance of remembrance, community, and the celebration of life, providing a meaningful way to connect with loved children who have passed.
Día de los Muertos is a profound and colorful celebration that beautifully intertwines remembrance and joy. It provides families with a unique opportunity to honor and connect with their deceased loved ones, emphasizing that death is not an end, but a continuation of the bond that exists between the living and the departed. Through vibrant altars, heartfelt offerings, and festive gatherings, this holiday fosters a sense of community and belonging, allowing individuals to share stories and celebrate the lives of those who have passed.
Descanse en paz, Grama Jinia / Virginia Arzaga.
