Día De Los Muertos
Día de los Muertos means “Day of the Dead” in Spanish. This traditional Mexican holiday begins at midnight on October 31, and lasts through November 2. Día de los Muertos is different than the American holiday Halloween because Día de los Muertos is a family celebration to remember the ancestors who have passed away.
This event is significant to the Mexican culture because they believe that the spirits of the deceased ancestors visit earth once a year, on Día de los Muertos. The concept of death is viewed differently according to the Hispanic culture because it is viewed as a celebration, rather than a time of sorrow. They do not fear death, but accept it as an inevitable part of life that is a cause for festivities, rather than a time of mourning.
One traditional custom on Día de los Muertos is the preparation of an altar. Within each Mexican home, an altar is prepared beneath photos of deceased family members. Also, altars can be made in public places such as a cemetery. In either location, candles are lit before the altar and offerings of the departed’s favorite foods are set out on the best linens available, along with pictures and loving memories of the ancestor. After a while, the Hispanic culture believes, the spirits of the loved ones come back to earth and visit the altars. Drawn in by the aromas of their favorite dishes, the spirits “eat their fill” of their favorite dishes. Hispanics believe that the spirits consume the aromas, since the aromas, much like the spirits themselves, cannot be seen. After a considerable time of reflection (often spent in prayer and meditation) over the loved one, the family members themselves partake of the food. It is a feast to celebrate and remember the ancestors that once joined them at the table long ago.
In conclusion, Día de los Muertos is a time to remember what the ancestors enjoyed when they were living- such as a favorite sport, food, singer, or favorite song. With all of these memories, an altar is created to commemorate the deceased loved one. It is a time of traditions and reverence, but also a celebration of death and a life once lived.
Semok Community Member 
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