El Día de los Muertos - November 1 and 2 November 02 2022
In Latin American cultures, especially Mexico, el Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1 & 2, coinciding with “All Saints and All Souls Days” in the US, which is, of course, preceded by Hallowe’en on October 31st.
During el Día de los Muertos, great attention is paid to remembering the dead. Unlike Hallowe’en, the idea of death and el Día de los Muertos have an air of celebration for the completion of a good life lived on earth. Connecting with and keeping in our hearts those loved ones who are now on the spiritual plane is the core of the festivities. The celebrations are not spooky nor as dark as Hallowe’en can sometimes become.
For example, skeletons have a sense of humor and wear top hats and dresses. They remind us that a skeleton is what we will all become someday. Altars are made with food offered for the beloved, now departed, not to eat, but to nourish them with memories of the things they once loved. The sacrifice of delicious food not meant for those on earth is a different thing altogether than expecting sweets from door to door as we do on Hallowe’en! Prayers and dancing, tears and singing, laughter and good food, and music of all sorts are signature characteristics of this important day.
Remember your loved ones when Hallowe’en is past! Celebrate el Día de los Muertos! The departed are thrilled when the love we feel is acknowledged and remembered!
