Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead”, is a joyous and reflective annual celebration held in Mexico and Central American countries which creates a space for family members to commemorate their ancestors in a way that is different from customs in the United States.

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This holiday falls at the same time as Halloween, but it is different and does not include imagery such as witches, black cats, or pumpkins. While Halloween is associated with costumes and trick-or-treating, Día de los Muertos is similar to Memorial Day. Both holidays, though, do share a common visual connection with the presence of skeleton imagery.  For  Día de los Muertos the use of the skull symbolizes death and rebirth. The skulls were used to honor the dead, who were believed to visit for the month-long ritual. Families often set up offerings or altars called ofrendas, either at home or at the cemetery.  Throughout Día de los Muertos celebrations, rituals to honor ancestors include feasting on foods such as pan de Muertos or Calaveras de azúcar, and playing or singing the songs which were favored by their ancestors.  Some ofrendas are also decorated with marigolds and papel picado.

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Our Community Altar Art Installation is created with the community. If you would like to join us, please contact Briseida Pineda at briseida@mujeresdelatierra.org