Colorful, joyful and deeply personal, Día de los Muertos is a celebration of remembrance — a time to honor loved ones who have died by bringing their memories, favorite foods and stories back into the center of family life.
A TRADITION BUILT AROUND REMEMBRANCE
Celebrated primarily on November 1 and 2, Día de los Muertos has roots in Indigenous Mexican traditions that later intertwined with Catholic observances brought by the Spanish. The celebration as it exists today reflects centuries of that cultural blending, and traditions vary significantly by family, community and region.
“The people we love remain part of our lives when we remember them.“
Rather than treating death only with sadness, Día de los Muertos creates space for memory, food, color, storytelling and celebration.
THE HEART OF THE CELEBRATION: THE OFRENDA
An ofrenda is an altar created to welcome and remember loved ones who have died.
There isn’t one universal way to build one. Ofrendas differ throughout Mexico, but several elements appear again and again, each carrying meaning:
– Photographs identify and honor the people being remembered.
– Cempasúchil (marigolds) bring brilliant color and fragrance; their petals are traditionally used to help guide returning souls.
– Candles provide light and symbolize guidance.
– Water is offered to quench thirst after the journey.
– Favorite foods + drinks welcome loved ones with things they enjoyed during life.
– Pan de muerto is one of the celebration’s most recognizable foods.
– Papel picado brings movement and color and traditionally represents air.
– Calaveritas — often made from sugar, chocolate or amaranth — are another familiar part of the tradition.
– Copal or incense adds fragrance and has ceremonial significance.
Personal belongings can make an ofrenda uniquely about the person being remembered
FIND THE OFRENDA ESSENTIALS
We’ve gathered the papel picado, decorative calaveras, candles, marigolds and other supplies that can help bring your celebration together.
→ BROWSE OUR DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS OFRENDA SUPPLIES
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BRING THE CELEBRATION TO YOUR SCREEN
We’ve also created an immersive Día de los Muertos ambience filled with a glowing ofrenda, candlelight, marigolds, color, music and movement.
Put it on while you’re building your ofrenda, preparing food, gathering with family — or simply remembering someone you love.
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