What is Dia De Los Muertos, and where did it come from? This holiday is a celebration similar to Halloween, celebrated in hispanic cultures. During Dia De Los Muertos, families welcome the souls of deceased loved ones returning to earth on the 1st and 2nd of November to reunite with relatives. When celebrating, food, drink, and flowers are offered to welcome spirits often through ofrendas (detailed, decorated tables) . Through food, music, and gatherings Dia De Los Muertos shows how culture can keep memories alive in a fun way.
How did Dia De los Muertos originate? To find the start of this holiday we go back to 1000 BCE in ancient Mesoamerican cultures, specifically the Aztec and Nahua people of present Mexico. These groups would often have specific days dedicated honoring loved ones who passed away. Certain months were for remembering the departed, usually based on if the deceased were an adult or child. They believed that death was a continuation of life, not an end.
Now, some interviews on bobcats that celebrate the day of the dead!
How do you celebrate Dia De Los Muertos?
Isabella hernandez-”Setting up a table with decorations and photos of people we lost”
Issac Martinez-”i put up an ofrenda and respect the loved ones I’ve lost”
Ximena-”Respecting all the people I’ve lost in my life”
Osirus Bassett-”Go to my grandparent’s house”
Elijah Collins-”All my family comes together at my grandma’s house”
What’s your favorite food made during this holiday?
Isabella Hernandez-”Tacos”
Issac Martinez-”Tamales”
Ximena-”Chicken and pork tamales”
Osirus Basset-”Tamales”
Elijah Collins-”Meat and sometimes tacos”
What do you put on the ofrendas?
Isabella Hernandez-”Candles and flowers
Issac Martinez-”My loved ones favorite things like flowers”
Xiamena-”Roses and a vase of candy”
Who do you celebrate during this festival?
Isabella Hernandez-”Our family friend”
Issac Martinez-”I celebrate my grandpa”
Xiamena-”My grandpa”
Osirus Bassett-”Our dead family members”
Elijah Collins-”Some of our gone family members like my grandma”
Dia De Los Muertos isn’t just about the dead, it’s about celebrating life and the people we’ve lost. While traditions started decades ago, they are still significant to families today. Whether it’s food, music, or just remembering Special individuals, all traditions have a purpose. In the end it’s a reminder that the people that we love never truly leave us.
“Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos).” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, 10 Sept. 2025, www.history.com/articles/day-of-the-dead.
5 Facts about Día de Los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) | Smithsonian Institution, www.si.edu/stories/5-facts-about-dia-de-los-muertos-day-dead. Accessed 26 Sept. 2025.
