What is El Día de los Muertos?

You'd be forgiven for thinking that Day of the Dead is Mexican Halloween with different iconography. And while both holidays share some similarities, at its core, El Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a national holiday in Mexico observed each year on November 2nd. It's a tradition where families build elaborate altars adorned with marigold flowers, bread, chocolate, food, and Mezcal to honor and remember their departed loved ones, with the season coming alive through daily comparsas — lively, costume-themed parades leading up to the holiday.

Day of the Dead is deeply rooted in both ancient and modern Mexican culture, and over the years, families have created their own versions of the celebration, with some decorating gravesites as elaborately as the altars back home. However, the actual holiday on November 2nd is relatively quiet across Mexico, as the day is meant for private reflection at home with family, and many businesses close in observance.

As a result, the vibrant celebrations and events associated with the holiday take place in the two weeks leading up to November 2nd, making the Day of the Dead season synonymous with the cultural identity of Mexico — specifically both in Oaxaca and Michoacán — throughout the second half of October. And while the heart of the holiday is centered on building an altar for passed loved ones and visiting their respective gravesites, there is no single or correct way to celebrate Day of the Dead, as everyone who observes it does so in their own way.

Unfortunately, the woke liberals no different from the puritans of the past, seem to have a strong opinion on who's allowed to celebrate or how it should look. But see, Day of the Dead has always been about intention — not approval. For some, it's a celebration of life. For others, it's a time to be thankful for the abundance God has given us. And for me, the Day of the Dead season is a time spent with my Grandmother in Oaxaca, taking daily trips to outdoor markets to gather elements for her altar and countless ingredients for the black mole she makes — a two day labor-intensive process. But it doesn't matter how you choose to celebrate, or whether you celebrate at all, because Day of the Dead is one of, if not the most, universal holidays there is — a time to remember those who are no longer with us.

The Real Meaning of El Día de los Muertos

When you strip away all the iconic symbols, parades, and public altar displays, the true heart of El Día de los Muertos is simple: it's about remembering loved ones who have passed away and being grateful for those who are still with us. That's it — plain and simple. So don't let anyone tell you otherwise. This act of remembrance transcends all cultures and religions because this holiday is meant to be deeply personal, allowing you to choose how you honor those in your life who have crossed over — whether it's through an elaborate shrine or by simply sifting through an old box of pictures.

And if you want to wear skull (Catrina) makeup, go for it. No one owns this holiday. So yes, even if you're not Mexican, no one has the right to tell you that you cannot participate. How you choose to honor this holiday is up to you — whether at home, in Mexico, or at a special event in Los Angeles. How you celebrate, how you remember, is entirely up to you. El Día de los Muertos — Day of the Dead — is a simple reminder that our loved ones are never truly gone, so long as we carry their memory in our hearts and actions. It's a time to remind ourselves to cherish those who are still with us, because one day, they too will become part of the stories we carry forward.

el camino a casa nunca se olvida
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