Observed on

November 1st and 2nd

 

Observed by

Spanish Speaking Cultures

Country of Origin 

Spain (Originated), Mexico (Adopted and Expanded)

Celebrations/Customs

Creation of Home Altars to Remember the Dead, Traditional Dishes for the Day of the Dead,

Similar/Related to:

Halloween, Samhain, All Souls Day, Fet Gede

Key Points / Halloween Connection

- Two-day Mexican celebration honoring saints and deceased love ones.

- Combination of Halloween, All Saints' Day and All Souls' day with a heavy Aztec "flavor"

Brief Bio

The Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de (los) Muertos) is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6, may be included depending on the locality. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember amusing events and anecdotes about the departed. It is widely observed in Mexico, where it largely developed, and is also observed in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage. 

The observance falls during the Christian period of Allhallowtide. Some argue that there are Indigenous Mexican or ancient Aztec influences that account for the custom, though others see it as a local expression of the Allhallowtide season that was brought to the region by the Spanish; the Day of the Dead has become a way to remember those forebears of Mexican culture. The Day of the Dead is largely seen as having a festive characteristic.