Day of the Dead: Día de los Muertos Traditions and History
Exploring Día de los Muertos Symbols and Day of the Dead Meaning in Oaxaca, Mexico
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When is Day of the Dead?
Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is observed annually on November 1 and November 2, although traditions, preparations, and public celebrations often begin well before those dates. In 2026, November 1 falls on Sunday and November 2 falls on Monday. At its heart, El Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition centered on remembering and honoring deceased loved ones through family gatherings, ofrendas, food, flowers, prayer, and other regional customs.
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What is Day of the Dead?
To put it simply, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a national holiday in Mexico observed each year on November 2. And you'd be forgiven for sayin it's like Mexican Halloween with regional iconography. However, in recent years all throughout Mexico, Halloween and El Día de los Muertos have increasingly overlapped, with children participating in traditions like pedir calaverita, or Trick-or-treating. But while the two holidays share costumes, candy, skull imagery, and increasingly similar celebrations, the heart of El Día de los Muertos is much deeper: remembering and honoring the people who have passed.
El Día de los Muertos is a deeply personal holiday that is equally rooted both ancient and modern Mexican culture centered on remembering the dead, with no single prescribed way to observe it. It's a tradition where families build elaborate altars adorned with marigold flowers, bread, chocolate, and food 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. And over the decades, 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 2 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 core celebrations and events associated with the holiday take place in the two weeks leading up to November 2, making the Day of the Dead season synonymous with the cultural identity of Mexico — specifically 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.
Because El Día de los Muertos has always been about intention. For some, it's a celebration of life. For others, it's a time to be thankful for the abundance God has given them. For me, the Day of the Dead season is a time spent with my grandmother in Oaxaca, taking daily trips to the outdoor markets to gather elements for her altar and countless ingredients for the black mole she makes from scratch — a two-day, labor-intensive process. But it doesn't matter how YOU choose to celebrate, or whether you celebrate at all, because El Día de los Muertos is one of, if not the most, universal holidays there is — a time to remember those who are no longer with us.
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Día de los Muertos: Catholic History and Aztec Origins
You'd be surprised to learn that the origin of El Día de los Muertos is a bit of a mystery, rooted in a blend of both Catholic and pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican pagan beliefs. When indigenous communities once crafted human-shaped figures from amaranth dough, decorating them with prickly pear juice to symbolize blood and represent those who had crossed over into Mictlan, the Aztec underworld.
Now, see, that's what we're told. I'm convinced they used real blood. Because when the Spanish Conquistadors arrived, they were horrified by the pagan blood rituals practiced by the native peoples of Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital — now Mexico City. And in their effort to assimilate these practices into Catholicism, the Conquistadors strategically aligned this pagan festival — originally celebrated in August — with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day at the beginning of November.
In ancient Mexico, a month-long festival dedicated to Mictlantecuhtli, the Lord of the Land of the Dead, was celebrated each August, the ninth month of the Aztec calendar. This festival included early versions of pan de muerto, a special bread now associated with the Day of the Dead. However, after the conquest of the New World, this celebration became intertwined with the Allhallowtide, a three-day Christian observance consisting of All Hallows' Eve, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day, observed from October 31 to November 2.
The practice of praying for the deceased has been part of Christendom since the second century, when it was common to visit the tombs of Christian martyrs. In A.D. 732, Pope Gregory III dedicated a chapel in St. Peter's Basilica to all the saints, establishing what would become All Saints' Day. Later, in A.D. 998, Abbot Odilo of Cluny — a Benedictine monastery in France — formally established All Souls' Day on November 2nd as a time to honor and remember the departed souls. The influence of Catholicism on El Día de los Muertos is evident in the fusion of pre-Hispanic beliefs with Catholic rituals. Over time, these ancient indigenous practices and Catholic customs intertwined, creating a unique cultural celebration that honors the deceased while embracing the idea of life beyond death.
In 1915, amid the devastation of World War I, Pope Benedict XV granted all priests the privilege of celebrating three Masses on All Souls' Day — a custom previously reserved for Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Over time, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day have often merged in practice and are celebrated together as part of El Día de los Muertos. This unique cultural fusion combines ancient indigenous traditions with Catholic rituals, creating a vibrant and meaningful celebration to honor and remember the departed.
All Saints' Day — is a significant feast day in Christianity falling on November 1st. It honors all the saints and martyrs, known and unknown, throughout Christian history. This day shares similarities with the Celtic holiday of Samhain and the Roman festival of Lemuria.
All Souls' Day — observed on November 2, is known as the Day of the Faithful Departed. It is a day of prayer during which people ask God to welcome the souls of the deceased as they begin their final journey to eternal life. Many attend Mass and visit the graves of loved ones on this day.
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Día de los Muertos Traditions and How Locals Celebrate Day of the Dead
In 2008, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Mexico's Indigenous Feastivity Dedicated to the Dead, known as El Día de los Muertos, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
However, like many traditions in Mexico, the celebration was primarily observed in rural Indigenous communities, only gradually gaining mainstream attention in Mexico City in the 1980s, with the first major public celebration taking place in 1999 in the historic center of Mexico City, El Zócalo. In fact! The now world-famous Día de los Muertos parade in Mexico City wasn't even a thing until after the opening scene of Spectre hit theaters in 2016 featuring a fictional version of the event — with Coco giving the holiday even more mainstream attention worldwide a year later.
How Día de los Muertos is Celebrated in Oaxaca, Michoacán and Mexico City
Celebrating El Día de los Muertos is deeply personal, with each region in Mexico having its own traditions, beliefs, and overall guidelines with how they observe Day of the Dead. Meaning, there's no one single way to observe the holiday. However, there are elements that are widely accepted as essential to El Día de los Muertos, which include the construction of altars, the presence of pan de muerto, the use of cempasúchil flor de muerto (marigold flowers), traditional skull face makeup, and the enjoyment of calaveritas (skull-shaped candies).
Local cemeteries throughout Mexico have their own unique customs as well, such as hosting La Noche de Vela (Candlelight Vigil) on October 31 instead of November 2 — as is the case in my hometown Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, where it has become the crown jewel of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca.
Families and individuals who choose to celebrate — and how they celebrate — vary widely depending on where people live and what they believe, whether through the lens of traditional Catholicism or a belief in the supernatural. According to these beliefs, the period between All Hallows' Eve and All Souls' Day is significant because it is believed that the veil between our world and the netherworld is at its thinnest, allowing the souls of the deceased to move freely between realms. During this time, families gather in their homes to build personal altars adorned with photographs, candles, marigold flowers, and cherished belongings of their departed loved ones. Prayers, reminiscences, and offerings of food and drinks are made to honor and remember those who have passed away. It is a time of reflection, celebration, and profound connection with the spirits of the dearly departed.
For both tourists visiting Mexico during the Day of the Dead season and local alike, Día de los Muertos parades in the downtown/centro areas in towns and cities, as well as altars displayed in hotel lobbies, restaurants and public parks, are often the most visible aspects of the celebration.
The Five Nights Leading up to Día de los Muertos
Because El Día de los Muertos is rooted in both Catholic and pre-Hispanic beliefs, the days and nights leading up to El Día de los Muertos hold deep spiritual meaning across Mexico. According to tradition, the preparation of the altar for deceased loved ones begins on October 28. With each night leading up to November 2 is believed to welcome specific souls who have crossed over into the world of the living. Now, it's important to note that while these five nights are traditionally observed, the two week Day of the Dead season allows for personal variations in celebration. As such, these nights should be seen more as guidelines rather than strict rules if you choose to celebrate El Día de los Muertos at home.
October 28 — On this night, the souls who perished in violent acts or suffered tragic deaths are said to walk among us. To welcome these souls, the first candle of the altar is lit, and a white flower is placed to guide them toward eternal peace.
October 29 — The second night of the celebration involves lighting a new candle and placing it on a base of water. This gesture is believed to help defenseless and forgotten souls find their way to peace and reunite with their loved ones.
October 30 — A new candle is lit with fresh water at the base of the altar, accompanied by bread symbolizing nourishment for the souls who died of hunger.
October 31 — On this night, a new candle is lit along with a glass of fresh water, and additional bread and fruit are placed on the altar. It is believed that on this day, the souls of great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents, and great aunts and uncles join the living.
November 1 — This day is known as Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints' Day). More food is added to the altar to welcome the souls of children, those who passed at birth or in the womb, as well as souls of exemplary integrity. Some also refer to this day as Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels).
November 2 — Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, All Souls' Day). Before dawn, the ringing of bells from local churches signals the arrival of all souls. Local cemeteries hold celebrations, with vendors and families adorning graves with marigold flowers, alcohol, and food. Families gather to mourn, laugh, and enjoy food, Mezcal, and music — either at home or during cemetery picnics.
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Day of the Dead in Oaxaca: La Noche de Vela of Xoxocotlán
Three miles south of Oaxaca Centro sits my hometown of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán (pronounced ho-ho-koht-lan), from the Náhuatl word Xoxotl, meaning "place of acidic fruits." Known locally as Xoxo (pronounced ho-ho).
Every year, on the night of October 31, it plays hosts the crown jewel of the Day of the Dead celebration in Oaxaca — the Noche de Vela, or candlelight vigil, held at the Mictlancíhuatl Cemetery, locally called the panteón nuevo, in honor of Mictlantecuhtli, the lord of Mictlan, the Aztec underworld. The vigil marks the return of deceased loved ones from the underworld to the world of the living, transforming the neighborhood with food stalls, music, and carnival games that fill the streets between the panteón nuevo and panteón viejo.
Free and open to the public, the vigil begins in the afternoon of October 31 and continues well into the morning of November 1, making it the largest and most recognized Day of the Dead vigil in Oaxaca. Often considered synonymous with El Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca, where preparations begin on October 30, when locals head to the Monte Albán hill to gather the flor de crucecita (also known as panalito), a small flower with a distinctive fragrance used to decorate altars and graves.
Until a few years ago, residents of Xoxo would draw water from the Agua Bichita well on the morning of October 31, as it was said that the water's sweetness and blue hue gave better flavor to the traditional drinks placed on the altars — and that it made the hot chocolate foam beautifully. After returning from the hill, the men would go to the flatlands to collect the coronita flower, which serves as a table covering for everything placed on the altar. Later that day, both markets set up their plaza de muertos (market for the dead), where women buy cempasúchil (marigold), flor de borla, pan de muerto, fruit, and everything else needed to welcome their departed loved ones.
Locals believe that at 3pm, the angelitos (souls of deceased children) arrive. To welcome them, the church bells ring with the toque de angelito — a mournful rhythm said to sound like "mi nene, mi nene, mi nene" (my baby, my baby, my baby). The bells continue ringing at intervals for 24 hours. After the first toque de angelito, people begin walking toward the cemeteries carrying flowers, candles, and clay skulls to decorate their loved ones' graves. Once the graves are adorned, families keep vigil through the night, warming themselves with mezcal or hot coffee.
During the vigil, a procession arrives at the old cemetery, carrying Saint Sebastian from his temple to his former chapel at the Old Cemetery, accompanied by the Reliquary of the Virgin of the Rosary and a group of prayer singers who lead a sung rosary. At the entrance, a traditional brass band plays funeral marches. The vigil ends around 7am on November 1, when people return home with the morning light — accompanied, they say, by the angelitos who could not find their way back home the night before.
Pictured below is my great-aunt and grandmother decorating the grave of my great-uncle in the panteón nuevo of Xoxocotlán.
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Day of the Dead Parades and Muerteadas in Oaxaca
While the cemetery candlelight vigils are the crescendo of the Day of the Dead season in Oaxaca, the comparsas (Halloween-themed parades) are the lively celebrations that fill the streets with music, costumes, and a sense of community presence that not only lead up to but continue well after the cemetery vigils — often lasting a week well past November 2.
And real quick for context — a colonia is a local neighborhood outside the historic centers of major Mexican cities, similar to a borough, barrio, or neighborhood. The term doesn't necessarily indicate a low-income area either. For example, La Colonia del Valle is an affluent neighborhood in Mexico City. Which coincidentally, my grandmother lives in the colonia of the same name in Oaxaca — but it's not a colonia tourists or even locals visit. Not even gonna lie.
The Difference Between Each Parade in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is famous for lively public parades, known as calendas, which wind through the cobbled streets of the historic center and neighboring colonias. So whether you're visiting for a weekend or an extended stay, chances are you'll come across at least one of these processions — maybe even a wedding or two. Now, at first glance, they might all look the same, with their signature brass-heavy Mexican polka music band parading up and down the narrow streets. But each parade has its own name and significant cultural difference. Let's break them down:
Calendas
These are the most common parades you'll encounter all throughout Oaxaca, celebrating everything from weddings and quinceañeras to workers' union anniversaries, town festivals (mayordomías), birthdays, and even funerals. Calendas often include stilt walkers, giant puppets resembling the people being honored, and a massive ball called a Marmota leading the procession. And if you're lucky, you might even see traditional female dancers known as Chinas Oaxaqueñas — specifically during wedding calendas and the parades held during the Guelaguetza in July.
Comparsas
Comparsas are parades specifically for Día de los Muertos, where participants dress up in either traditional folk costumes or Halloween-inspired outfits. Families and friends often coordinate around a theme, and there's usually a fee if you want to participate in a full costume. Throughout the night, several households host the comparsa, tossing fruit, candy, snacks and even plastic plates. Bread, hot chocolate, and mezcal are often served to the crowd — at least to those who manage to get into the courtyard of each home hosting the comparsa for the twenty minutes the band is inside. The festivities can go on until the early morning hours, and the money collected typically goes toward paying the band. It's worth noting that the term comparsa is used throughout Spain and Latin America for local parade carnivals and religious festivals.
La Muerteada
Unique to the Etla region of Oaxaca, La Muerteada is a variation of the comparsa that lasts twenty-four hours, beginning in the afternoon of November 1 and ending at midday on November 2. The centerpiece of La Muerteada is a theatrical performance of a widow mourning her deceased husband, whom she tries to revive with the help of shamans and otherworldly beings. This event often includes political satire and commentary on current events. After the performance, La Muerteada continues with all the lively elements of a typical comparsa.
La Octava
La Octava means "the eighth night" and is a recreation of the original comparsa that took place exactly one week earlier at the same location. According to Catholic tradition, the mourning period for the deceased lasts nine nights, with the eighth night serving as a celebration of the deceased's life. It is a time to honor their memory, reflect on their legacy, and find comfort in the belief that their spirit lives on. La Muerteada also has its own accompanying Octava celebration a week later.
Comparsas in Oaxaca Centro vs Comparsas in the Colonias
If you stay in Oaxaca Centro during the Day of the Dead season, you are guaranteed to bump into a Día de los Muertos comparsa on any given night. However, there are a few differences between the ones in the downtown area and those in the colonias. As you might have guessed, the comparsas in Oaxaca Centro are geared more toward tourists. They have a polished, choreographed look that focus more on traditional folklore themes. They are visually stunning, no doubt, but are more of a spectacle for onlookers — more laid-back, where participation is not encouraged. Meaning, you'll find yourself watching from the sidewalk. Which isn't bad honestly, especially if you're a few shots of mezcal in — as you should be.
On the other hand, the comparsas in the colonias are chaotic, loud, with a Halloween-inspired twist, and — not gonna lie — a little dangerous. Not in a you'll get mugged kind of way, but more like you might get hit by flying plates, fruit, or rock hard candy, even singed by sparks from fireworks or a homemade flamethrower if you're not aware of your surroundings. You have been warned.
Now, these parades are less formal and far more participatory, inviting you to immerse yourself in the festivities, which often last well into the following morning. The Day of the Dead parades in the hood bring a more communal experience compared to the tourist-centric celebrations in Oaxaca Centro. That said, both have their own appeal. The comparsas in Centro offer a beautifully curated cultural experience, but if you're up for something a little wilder and more interactive, the ones in the colonias is where you'll find the true heart of the Day of the Dead celebration in Oaxaca.
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Día de los Muertos Altar: How to Make a Day of the Dead Offenda
The Day of the Dead altar shrine, or ofrenda (offering), is a deeply meaningful expression of Mexican cultural beliefs surrounding death. Rich with symbolism, the Día de los Muertos ofrenda is built to honor departed loved ones while blending elements of both pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions.
The altar is typically adorned with food, beverages, photographs, flowers, and other offerings that pay tribute to the deceased. Usually made up of several levels, the altar symbolizes the connection between the spiritual and physical worlds, with each level decorated with objects that reflect the person's culture, and other significant aspects of their life and memory.
As I've stated throughout this essay, there is no right way to celebrate El Día de los Muertos; however, the ofrenda is universally recognized as the centerpiece of El Día de los Muertos, both locally in Mexico and abroad. While other symbols like pan de muerto, cempasúchil, and calaveras are important, the altar remains the most iconic and essential element to locals — the heart of the celebration. The same as it wouldn't be Christmas without the pine tree, or Halloween without the jack-o'-lantern, it's simply wouldn't be Day of the Dead without the altar either.
The Symbolism of the Day of the Dead Altar Levels
While the traditional Día de los Muertos altar holds deep symbolism and cultural significance, it's important to remember that any configuration is more like a general guideline rather than a strict rule — though Mexican grandmas will disagree with me because if you ask them, you must do things the way they should be done. That said, each family has the freedom to personalize their altars based on economic resources, available space in their home, and personal preferences — with those living in small apartments creating simple altars by placing a photograph of their loved one on a table alongside a single candle.
Nevertheless, this minimalistic approach is still a meaningful tribute and fully embraces the spirit of El Día de los Muertos. As I said before, Day of the Dead is about intention, not approval. Even the Lego Altar of the Dead is more than sufficient, I have two of them myself. And while altars can vary in structure and symbolism, these are the three most commonly built:
Two-Tier Altars — Symbolize the division between heaven and earth, representing heavenly blessings and earthly harvests.
Three-Tier Altars — Represent heaven, earth, and the underworld. Influenced by European traditions associated with earth, purgatory, and heaven, reflecting the Catholic belief in the Holy Trinity.
Seven-Tier Altars — Represent the seven levels the soul must traverse to reach spiritual peace. Tied to pre-Hispanic cosmology and the soul's journey through Mictlán, the underworld, this symbolism is rooted in Aztec culture and linked to different destinies based on how a person passed away.
As you create your own Day of the Dead altar, remember that it is a personal expression of love and heartfelt sentiment. So no matter which configuration you choose — even the Lego one — the altar ultimately honors the spiritual journey of the departed, connecting the earthly realm with the divine. The true essence of building an altar lies in the intention and remembrance it represents. Whether elaborate or modest, the act of honoring the deceased and preserving their memory is at the heart of the ofrenda, serving as a lasting connection between the living and the departed, transcending both physical and geographical boundaries.
How to Build a Traditional Day of the Dead Ofrenda
One of the beautiful aspects of a Day of the Dead altar is its flexibility, as it can range from an elaborate display to a simple, heartfelt tribute. Whether your budget allows for something grand or you prefer a more modest setup, each altar is a unique expression of who you are and how you choose to remember your loved ones. Some altars focus on traditional foods and bread, while others like the one my grandmother puts together, emphasize an abundance of cempasúchilflowers, with an arch made of sugar canes to symbolize the portal to the netherworld.
And while I can't tell you how YOU should assemble your own altar or even what you should decorate it with, I can recommend items that are universally accepted elements of a Day of the Dead altar. Each item holds profound meaning and plays an essential role in honoring the departed. It is believed that these ofrendas (offerings) allow the souls to enjoy the aromas of the food, savor the taste of the fruit, and behold the vibrant marigold flowers placed in their honor — flowers that many believe act as guiding lights, illuminating the path for the dead to return to this realm.
Through this act, the realms of the living and the dead converge, creating a space where they coexist. Typically, the offerings are placed on a two-level altar symbolizing heaven and earth. A third level is sometimes added to represent purgatory, while the most elaborate altars feature seven levels, symbolizing the seven steps toward eternal rest. And while there is no fixed formula for creating a Día de los Muertos ofrenda, you can include any combination of the following elements in your own altar at home.
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Archway — Found at the top of the altar, the arch symbolizes the gateway to the world of the dead. Often made from sugar cane and decorated with marigold flowers, candies, and fruit, it represents the passage between the earthly and spiritual worlds.
Beverages — Alcoholic drinks such as tequila, pulque, or rompope (a traditional Mexican eggnog) are sometimes placed on altars, especially if they were enjoyed by the deceased. Non-alcoholic beverages like hot chocolate, coffee, and soda are also common offerings.
Bread — Pan de muerto (Day of the Dead bread), a sweet bread placed on the altar, represents fraternity and nourishment for the spirits.
Candles — Representing fire, candles illuminate the path for the soul, with each candle symbolizing a deceased individual. Purple candles signify mourning, white represents purity, and candles arranged in the shape of a cross symbolize the four cardinal points guiding the soul's journey.
Confetti (Papel Picado) — Colorful paper cutouts featuring intricate designs, often associated with the work of José Guadalupe Posada, bring vibrant energy to the altar. Traditionally, purple represents mourning and faith, while yellow symbolizes life and the light of the sun.
Copal — Fragrant elements like rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, along with incense and copal resin, purify the environment and attract the spirits to the offerings.
Cempasúchil — Marigold flowers (flor de muerto), with their bright colors and distinct fragrance, guide the souls to the altar. Many believe their petals act as lights, illuminating the path for the dead to return to this realm. In some altars, other flowers like tulips and birds of paradise are also used.
Family Photographs — Photographs of deceased family members are placed on the altar to honor their memory. In some traditions, the photos are hidden behind a mirror, representing their spiritual presence.
Food — Traditional dishes such as mole, tamales, tacos, and Mexican fruits like tejocote and pumpkin are offered, as well as pan de muerto.
Itzcuintli — A toy representation of the Itzcuintli (or Xoloitzcuintli) dog, believed to help guide souls across the Chiconauhuapan River to the underworld.
Ornaments — Decorative figures, floral ornaments, and chains made of crepe paper in purple and yellow are added. Purple represents death, while yellow symbolizes life.
Petate — A woven palm mat or basket used to rest the souls. In some homes, it serves as the base of the altar for holding food and offerings.
Personal Belongings — Garments, toys, and objects associated with the deceased's life, profession, or hobbies are placed on the altar.
Religious Symbols — Crucifixes, often made from ash, salt, or marigold petals, are placed on the altar to represent the Catholic influence on the tradition.
Salt — Considered essential, salt symbolizes purification and helps preserve the body for its journey.
Seeds and Spices — Seeds, spices, and fruits represent the earth. Patterns made from cocoa or corn seeds are common, though colored sawdust is often used as well.
Sugar Skulls — Made of chocolate, amaranth, or sugar, these skulls represent death and add color and flavor to the altar.
Water — Glasses of water are placed on the altar to quench the spirits’ thirst after their long journey.
I know I've said this a million times, but I have to remind you that creating a Día de los Muertos altar is a deeply personal act of love and remembrance. So whether you build an elaborate display or a simple setup, what matters most is the intention behind it — the connection it fosters between the living and the dead. Every item on a Día de los Muertos altar serves a specific symbolic role that together creates a complete offering for the dead. Each representing one of the four elements — earth (food, seeds, pan de muerto), fire (candles), water (to quench the spirits' thirst), and air (papel picado) — while others, like salt, flowers, and photographs, help purify, guide, and honor the souls who return.
Each item reminds us that Day of the Dead is a layered tradition where Aztec cosmology, Catholic faith, and personal memory all coexist. From the archway that marks the passage to the underworld, to the marigolds that light the path home, to the favorite foods and belongings that make the spirit feel welcome — each element carries meaning; nothing is random decoration. A Día de los Muertos ofrenda is a carefully balanced world built from love, memory, and symbolism, where every item helps bridge the living with the dead.
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Pan de Muerto: The History of Mexico's Bread of the Dead
Pan de Muerto, or Bread of the Dead, is a traditional sweet bread baked during the El Día de los Muertos as both a decoration for altars honoring deceased loved ones and a delicious treat enjoyed by the living throughout the Day of the Dead season. Pan de Muerto represents family unity and is an essential part of Day of the Dead similar to the mooncake during the Lunar Festival in East Asia, the Italian Pan dei Morti, and the English soul cake.
And while the iconic bread with a turtle shell-like design, decorated with crossbones — known as Hojaldra — is familiar to most Mexicans both locally and abroad, Oaxaca offers an array of eight regional varieties made with unique local ingredients that reflect the culinary traditions of its local communities, showcasing the cultural richness and diversity of the region.
The first known depiction of Pan de Muerto appears in the 1860 painting El Bodegón de Panes con Naranja by José Agustín Arrieta. With the first published recipe for Pan de Muerto can be found in Josefina Velázquez de León’s Repostería Selecta, published in 1938. Today, Mexico is home to around 700 regional varieties of Pan de Muerto — a figure supported by the Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad and the Secretaría de Cultura — with the hojaldra being the most popular and recognized variety.
But as with most things in Mexico, no one really knows where this bread came from, as the introduction of bread and bakeries to the New World is reluctantly credited to Hernán Cortés, who, like me, couldn't live without bread. And in 1525, as Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca, he commissioned the first mill and bakery to be built on the outskirts of Oaxaca, ensuring a steady supply of fresh bread. However, the origins of Pan de Muerto can be traced back even further to the Aztecs, who offered figurines made from amaranth dough and covered in prickly-pear juice as symbolic offerings to their gods.
These figurines represented those who had crossed into Mictlán, the Aztec underworld. And while the exact materials used in these offerings is debated, some speculate they may have included real human parts and blood — though that's open to interpretation. That said, the ancestors of modern Pan de Muerto can be linked to:
Papalotlaxcalli — A pre-Hispanic bread made from amaranth, corn, and agave honey, shaped like a butterfly and offered to the deceased.
Pan de Ánimas — An anthropomorphic bread used in All Saints' Day celebrations in Spain, known as an ánimita in some regions of Mexico.
In other words, Pan de Muerto is more than just a sweet bread — it's a synthesis of indigenous and colonial histories embodying the entire Mexican experience. The blending of indigenous and colonial worlds, survival through transformation, and remembrance through ritual. An ordinary bread to outsiders, but to many, it carries traces of conquest, ritual, and cultural transformation, a living cultural artifact. In other words, Pan de Muerto didn't simply 'arrive' to the New World; it evolved, from an Aztec ritual food to a modern symbol of remembrance. To understand Pan de Muerto is to understand Mexico itself — layered, complex, and still evolving. It's the story of Mexico, baked into a loaf of bread.
The Symbolism of the Hojaldra Pan de Muerto
The bread of the dead isn't a loaf you just eat — you interpret. It's a piece of anthropology dusted with sugar and every part of the Hojaldra Pan de Muerto tells a story. The round shape represents the cycle of life and death — a reminder that one cannot exist without the other. The bone-like strips across the top symbolize the limbs of the departed, while the small knob at the center represents the skull. Some say the crossed pieces also echo the four cardinal points, each tied to pre-Hispanic beliefs about the elements and the gods who ruled over them. The bread's orange blossom flavor isn't accidental either; it's meant to honor the souls of the dead, as the scent of flor de azahar was traditionally used in offerings.
The Regional Varieties of Pan de Muerto in Oaxaca
While the Hojaldra is the most common variety you'll find both in Mexico and Mexican bakeries in America, in Oaxaca, Mexico you'll find at least eight varieties of Pan de Muerto. The most popular being the Pan de Yema, believed to have originated in Santo Domingo Tomaltepec near El Árbol del Tule. It is available year-round, though for the Day of the Dead season it features a flour-baked face known as an Alfeñique (sugar skull). Though I affectionately call it Jesus Bread — coined by my white American now ex-wife who pointed it out one day. And it's easy to see why as some of the faces do resemble Christ, even local bakers admit as much.
And in the southern and coastal regions of Oaxaca, the bread is often shaped like a human figure, called Ánima, as a dedication to the deceased being honored. However, obtaining many of these regional varieties of Pan de Muerto in Oaxaca can be challenging for two reasons. First, most artisan products are typically only available in their respective local communities. Second, these unique breads are baked within a very limited timeframe. So unless you have connections within rural communities who can provide advance notice of availability, they can be difficult to acquire in the second half of October when they are baked and sold.
That said, each year my great-aunt painstakingly gathers an assortment of Pan de Muerto from various regions in Oaxaca and Mexico City. The sight of her altar, adorned with an incredible array of breads — each with its own shape, design, and flavor — is truly remarkable. From the traditional Hojaldra to the lesser-known Pan de Pulque, her collection beautifully showcases the rich diversity of both Mexican and Oaxacan Pan de Muerto — a true labor of love, preserving and honoring our cultural heritage.
Clockwise from top: Pan de Muerto from Ocotlán de Morelos; Pan de Muerto from Villa Sola de Vega; pan de yema from Oaxaca City; and pan de pulque from San Pedro Tidaá.
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La Flor de Muerto: The Meaning and Symbolism of the Cempazúchitl Mexican Marigold Flower
The marigold flower, called Cempazúchitl in Mexico (Tagetes erecta) but known locally as Flor de Muerto, or Flower of the Dead, comes from the Nahuatl language, meaning the "twenty-petaled flower." Today, Cempazúchitl flowers adorn altars and celebrations with their vibrant color and captivating scent, honoring the enduring love of the deceased. It is believed that their bright petals guide the spirits of the departed back to their families during the Day of the Dead festivities.
And beyond their symbolic role, marigolds are valued for their medicinal properties, traditionally used in Mexican remedies for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. Harvested throughout October, the marigold has become a defining element of the ofrenda — an offering that connects the living with the dead. Traditionally in Mexico, the season for planting Flor de Muerto begins on June 24, the Feast Day of Saint John the Baptist, marking the start of the rainy season. And while the altar, skull makeup, and marigold flowers have become synonymous with the Day of the Dead celebration, the following lesser-known legend tells the story of the marigold's origin in ancient Mexico.
The Legend of The Aztec Marigold Flower
In the time of the Aztecs, two young lovers, Xóchitl and Huitzilin, shared a bond that began in childhood. They explored their village hand in hand, embarking on adventures and creating cherished memories together. Although delicate, Xóchitl bravely accompanied Huitzilin on many of their escapades. Over time, their friendship blossomed into a deep and enduring love.
One of their favorite activities was climbing a nearby mountain to offer flowers to the sun god, Tonatiuh. The god of the sun appeared to bless their offerings, smiling down upon them with his warm rays. On one such day, they made a vow to love each other for all eternity. But tragedy struck when war came, and Huitzilin was called to fight. Not long after, Xóchitl received the heartbreaking news of his death. Devastated, she climbed the mountain one final time, praying to the sun god for a miracle to reunite her with her beloved.
Moved by her plea, Tonatiuh cast a ray of sunlight that touched Xóchitl's cheek, transforming her into a beautiful marigold with fiery petals as radiant as the sun. At that moment, a hummingbird flew down to touch the flower's center — it was Huitzilin, reborn in the form of a hummingbird. As the flower unfurled its twenty petals, it released a magical fragrance, symbolizing the eternal bond between the lovers. From that day on, the presence of Cempazúchitl flowers and hummingbirds on Earth would forever remind us of their undying love.
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The Core Meaning and Spiritual Significance of Día de los Muertos
When you strip away the iconic symbols, parades, and public altar displays, the core meaning and spiritual significance of El Día de los Muertos is simple: remembering loved ones who have passed away and being grateful for those who are still with us. That's it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
El Día de los Muertos 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 sifting through an old box of pictures. Because this act of remembrance transcends all cultures and religions. No one owns this holiday. No one has the right to say you cannot participate. Because how you choose to celebrate the Day of the Dead, how you remember your loved ones is up to you — whether at home, in Mexico, wearing skull (Catrina) makeup, or at a Día de los Muertos event in Los Angeles.
El Día de los Muertos — The Day of the Dead — is nothing more than a simple reminder that our loved ones are never truly gone, so long as we carry their memory in our hearts and actions. El Día de los Muertos is 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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