The Day of the Dead, or better known as El Dia De Los Muertos, is a day in Mexican culture where life and dead relatives are honored. El DIa De Los Muertos is celebrated on November 2nd and has been a tradition dating back to the Aztec Era and 16th century when the Spaniards colonized Mexico.

What exactly is the Day of the Dead? As mentioned previously, it is a day where Mexicans honor and celebrate life. However, they also celebrate and honor those who have passed away.  In order to honor their deceased loved ones, many families decorate altars with offerings and photos of dead family members. Offerings can be anything from bread, water, candles, alcohol and marigolds. Other symbols like sugar skulls are used to embellish the altars, which also signify honor in Aztec tradition. Essentially, this day is to guide dead relatives from the spiritual world to the physical world in order to visit their family who is still alive. 

In an interview with Litzy Plata, 12, the president of the Folklorico Club, she was asked what her favorite aspect of this day is. In her response, Plat expressed her great appreciation for this day, “Once the altar is lit, the food is out, I look forward to dancing and singing my heart out with my family,” Plata also said, “We gather and tell stories about our loved ones that are visiting us on this day.” 

On this special day, Plata and her family embrace the beauty of Mexican culture through a celebration to commemorate their deceased loved ones. Plata was asked to share if anyone in her family was being honored on this day and her response made the hearts of fellow Vikings fill with sympathy, “My abuelita passed away last year and as hard as it has been, we know that today, we will be with her.” 

El Dia De Los Muertos is a day where Mexican families around the world come together to celebrate life and honor their ancestors. Light those alters, sing, dance and make marigold trails for your loved ones with your family today!