What Is Dia De Los Muertos?

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead in English, is much different than the “Mexican Halloween” that many believe it to be. In Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is a holiday to celebrate and honor loved ones who are no longer with us. It is not about mourning lost lives, but instead, about celebrating them.

Dia de los Muertos follows a two-day structure on November 1 and 2 each year. Typically, the first day is for families to remember children who have passed and the second is in honor of adults who have passed.

It is believed that on these two sacred days of the year, the spirits of loved ones can join the living once again. For this reason, pillows and blankets are often left out so the dead will have a place to rest after their long journey.

On the Day of the Dead, many people go to cemeteries and play music, have picnics and other festivities to celebrate lost lives.

Families also create home-based alters with the intent that the souls of their loved ones will visit them. Along with candles, marigold flowers are used to adorn the graves or alters, as it is believed that the marigold attracts the souls of the dead to additional offerings.

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Elaborate colorful alters are usually decorated with other offerings such as toys and sugar skulls (called Calaveras) for deceased children and beloved possessions for deceased adults.

Food and spirits are also used as offering and may include tequila, atole—a hot corn-based beverage, candied pumpkin—known as Calabaza en Tacha, and other treats like pastries and tamales.

Every year, the staff at each of the Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva properties in Mexico create alters and participate in song and dance to celebrate Dia de los Muertos and honor their lost loved ones. It’s a celebration not to be missed!