The History of The Day of the dead

By Isha Vishwanath, 2026

Published 11/4/2023

Day of the dead, or El Dia de los Muertos, is a traditional holiday that is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It can also be celebrated on October 31st or November 6th depending on the location. The Day of the Dead is widely acknowledged in Mexico and Mexican Heritage. This holiday goes back to the Aztecs, who had not just a few days but an entire month dedicated to their relatives who had passed away. This ancient holiday was made to honor those who have passed and keep their memory alive. 

A significant part of the celebrations are altars, which are decorated to honor people and come in many different sizes, some being the size of a coffee table and others larger. The decorations are usually placed on a table or on the gravestone of a loved one. To some people an altar is a prayer, it's a tradition of remembering loved ones who have passed away. Altars usually have three tiers. Tier One consists of photographs of the remembered deceased as well as religious statues or symbols.  The second tier consists of the ofrendas (displays of the loved one’s favorite food and drinks, as well as ornamental, personal belongings and flowers).  The third tier typically has lit candles, and some people add a washbasin and a towel so that the spirits of the deceased may refresh themselves.

What types of food are made for Day of the Dead? The most common food on the altars are sugar skulls and Pan de Muerto also known as Day of the Dead bread. The Day of the Dead bread or Pan de Muerto is a sweet bread made with orange peels and herniated strips of dough on top is made to look like bones.  Sugar skulls are candy in the shape of styles often representing a departed soul. It has the name of the departed written on the forehead and is placed on the home altar or gravestone to honor the return of a particular spirit.

In conclusion, the Day of the Dead is a joyful time that helps people remember the deceased and celebrate their memory! There is lots of good food, vibrant colors, beautiful music and heartfelt remembrance.