Here’s one thing I know: Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not a Mexican version of Halloween. 

Though related, the two annual events are very different in both traditions and tone. Whereas Halloween is a dark night of terror and mischief, Day of the Dead festivities unfold over two days in an explosion of color and joy. Sure, the theme is death, but the point is to show love and respect for deceased family members. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, families dress up in intricate makeup and costumes, hold parades and parties, sing and dance, and make offerings to lost loved ones.

Day of the Dead, otherwise known as Día de los Muertos, is a multi-day holiday celebrated annually in Mexico on the first two days of November. No surprise, there are more than a few traditions and customs associated with this event. Here are the top ten.

Day of the Dead Traditions

Constructing alters

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The construction of altars is perhaps the principal custom of this celebration. Often decorated in vibrant oranges and purples before being piled high with ofrendas (offerings) such as candles, flowers and personal possessions, these altars are generally more private affairs that are built at home. However, in some communities, families construct them right at the graveside, and nowadays are also prepared by most public buildings. The planning can often take months, but the results are spectacular.

Making ofrendas (offerings) to the dead

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This custom goes hand-in-hand with the construction of the altars, as families select a variety of ofrendas (offerings) which supposedly encourage the deceased to return home and hear the prayers of their loved ones. On November 1 (Día de los Inocentes), deceased children are offered toys and sweets, while November 2 is meant for ofrendas for deceased adults, such as alcohol, cigarettes and memorabilia, as well as the more generic candles, Mexican cempasúchiles (marigolds) and pan de muerto.

Using cempasúchiles (Mexican marigolds)

While this flower, cempasúchil, also known as flor de muerto, also falls under the category of an ofrenda, it’s well worth mentioning in its own right. Mexicans believe that this flower helps guide their loved one’s soul back to the world of the living, and given that it only flowers during the rainy season, you can now see them everywhere during the festivities.

Creation or purchase of sugar skulls

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The term ‘sugar skull’ actually comes from Day of the Dead festivities and is probably the most globally recognized symbol of the Day of the Dead. Sugar skulls are either bought or made by families to add to their altar, and the name of the deceased is often written in icing on the forehead. In addition to the traditional sugar versions, you can also get chocolate and biscuit ‘sugar skulls’ as well.

Holding graveside vigils

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Holding graveside vigils is most definitely one of this celebration’s most iconic rituals. With thousands of candles, marigolds, and singing. It is a time to come together as a community and honor those who are not longer on earth with us. This reminds me of the movie Coco. This would be something amazing to experience one day!

Eating pan de muerto

Every celebration has food. Day of the Dead is no exception. Pan de muerto is a popular sweet treat prepared during the festivities. Thankfully, this is not bread made of dead people, no matter what the name might lead you to think. It’s actually lightly orange-flavored sweet bread, which has “bonelike” decorations and a topped with sugar. It is so yummy!

Displays of calacas

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Calacas are clothed, decorated and colorful skeletons that you’ve undoubtedly seen but never known the name for. Due to the association of sugar skulls and calacas with Mexico as a whole, many places will display these skeletons all year round. However, you will see more and more during the Day of the Dead. Dressed in long, sometimes regal and traditional Mexican dresses and styles, or sometimes more playful actions.

Grave decorating

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Even though not all families choose to honor their loved ones at the graveyard itself (they make alters in their homes), the tradition of cleaning the grave is still respected by most. This task usually includes tidying the area surrounding the headstone, but being sure to leave behind the marigolds. Some gravesites are decorated so ornately and beautifully. With candles, marigolds, and Ofrendas. Graveyards during the Day of the Dead celebrations, contrary to what you might expect, actually take on the atmosphere of celebratory social gatherings.

Dressing in costumes

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Now people do not go trick or treating house to house asking for candy. Day of the Dead is an extremely social holiday that is filled with celebrations. Dressing up as skeletons is part of the fun. People of all ages have their faces artfully painted to resemble skulls, and, mimicking the calavera Catrina, with suits and fancy dresses. Many people also wear shells or other noisemakers to amp up the excitement—and also possibly to arouse the dead and keep them close during the fun.

Creating papel picado

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You’ve probably seen this beautiful Mexican paper craft plenty of times in Mexican restaurants. The literal translation, pierced paper, perfectly describes how it’s made. Artisans stack colored tissue paper in dozens of layers, then use a hammer and chisel points. Papel picado isn’t used exclusively during Day of the Dead, but it plays an important role in the holiday. Draped around altars and in the streets, the art represents the wind and the fragility of life.

Aurora Sugar Skull City

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Looking to celebrate local? From October 15th-November 7th, head to downtown Aurora to celebrate Dia de los Muertos with art, activities, specials, videos, shopping, and much more. Activities include:

• Take a self-guided walking tour of downtown storefronts decorated for Day of the Dead by local artists and downtown staff. Click on link above for this year’s map of participating businesses.
• Enjoy specials and menu items at restaurants that honor the Day of the Dead traditions.
• Sugar Skull City Alebrije Hunt: Find as many alebrijes as you can from Oct. 15 through Nov. 7 in downtown Aurora. Alebrijes are mythical animals from Mexican Folk Art. The brightly colored and fantastical animals were dreamed up by Mexico City artist Pedro Linares in the late 1930s.
• Shop downtown stores for local artisan Day of the Dead merchandise.
• Stop into Mexican restaurants and bakeries and support Latinx-owned businesses.
• Buy an official Sugar Skull City tote bag. Sugar Skull City totes are available for $20 at Wyckwood House, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, and The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange. Limited supply!
• Visit Nine Steps to Mictlán: A Day of the Dead Art Exhibit (Oct. 8 – Nov. 13, 2021) at Aurora Public Art, 20 E. Downer Pl.
• Participate in an ofrenda contest at Santori Public Library of Aurora, 101 S. River St.
• Enjoy an evening of Day of the Dead celebrations at First Fridays on November 5, 2021. Celebrate with a Day of the Dead festival from 1 to 4 p.m. on November 6 at the bank lot at SE corner of Broadway and Galena.

Check out more information here!

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