Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that honors and celebrates loved ones who have passed away. This tradition has a long history that blends ancient Indigenous beliefs with Catholic customs brought by the Spanish. Before the Spanish arrived, Indigenous peoples in Mexico already held rituals to honor death and their ancestors. They celebrated because they believed death was part of the natural cycle of life, something not to fear. Offerings of food, flowers and special objects were made to help the spirits on their journey. When the Spanish colonized Mexico in the 1500s, they introduced holidays such as All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2).

Over time, these Catholic traditions blended with Indigenous ones, creating what we now know as the Day of the Dead. The holiday is celebrated on November 1, known as Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), which honors children who have passed away and on November 2, Día de los Muertos, which honors adults who have died.

Families build ofrendas (altars) at home or in cemeteries to welcome the spirits. These altars often include photos of the deceased, candles, marigold flowers (cempasúchil), favorite foods and drinks, sugar skulls (calaveras) and pan de muerto (bread of the dead). Family members visit graves, play music, and share memories. It’s a joyful celebration of life rather than a sad occasion. Día de los Muertos is very special to me because it’s a time when we honor the loved ones who are no longer here. Every year, my family will light candles for my grandpa and dad, placing flowers and bread to remember them.

I truly believe our loved ones visit us during this time and it makes me feel closer to my dad. The Day of the Dead reminds us to celebrate life, family and memory. It shows the powerful connection between the living and the dead, and that love continues even beyond death.