Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is the Mexican holiday that honors and reveres deceased family, loved ones, and ancestors. The cultural celebration can be traced back to the time of the Aztecs, 3,000 years back. It is NOT the Mexican version of Halloween. Though the theme is about death, it is about remembrance, respect, and life-affirming joy for our beloved dead.  The holiday is celebrated throughout Mexico and, over the years, has become popular in some regions of the U.S.A. and other parts of the world. The multi-day traditional celebration officially begins on Oct. 31st (All Hallows’ Day), followed by Nov. 1st (All Saints’ Day), and ends on Nov. 2nd (All Souls’ Day).

In observance of this very important culturally-rich festival, this year, our Día de Muertos altar was created by the Sacred Space Ministry on the St. Joseph Altar. The traditional custom is to build altars called “ofrendas” (offerings) – honoring the memory of our beloved who have passed. The altars are typically adorned with Marigold flowers (Cempasúchil), Calaveras (skulls), catrinas (richly dressed skeletons), incense (copal), candles, papel picado (intricate tissue paper banners), sugar skulls, pan de muertos (bread of the dead), photographs, and other mementos to honor those who have passed, including their favorite food and drink. It is a means of always keeping the departed alive in our hearts and memories by celebrating their lives.

Join in this special traditional celebration of remembering those who have died by bringing a copy of a photo of your lost ones… pets included. Please place the photos on the altar. The Día de Muertos altar will remain on display through mid-November.