What is Day of the Dead?

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It is a time when families honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Instead of being sad, the holiday is filled with color, music, food, and joy, celebrating the lives of those who are gone.
The celebration combines ancient Aztec traditions with Catholic beliefs brought by Spanish colonizers. The Aztecs believed that death was part of the natural cycle of life, and that spirits returned each year to visit their families. When Catholicism arrived, these beliefs blended with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, creating the modern Día de los Muertos.
Families build ofrendas, or altars, in their homes or at cemeteries. These are decorated with photos, candles, marigold flowers, papel picado, pan de muerto, and the loved one’s favorite foods or things. These offerings welcome the spirits back to the world of the living.

On October 31st, The Spanish Club spoke on the announcement about Día de los Muertos to recognize all those who are missed and loved. Additionally, The Spanish Club created an ofrenda adjacent to Mr. Aristy’s office!