El Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead” is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased loved ones in a day of celebration on November first. Many traditions have formed over hundreds of years including ofrendas, sugar skulls, and pan de muerto. So, let’s dig into some!

Ofrendas: What are they? Ofrendas are a type of alter that are for welcoming back the souls of the dead. They usually include photos of the family members who have passed, as well as their favorite food and drinks, personal belongings, flowers, candles, and papel picado. Papel picado is a paper banner that represents the wind in the four elements shown on ofrendas (water, fire, wind, and earth). Water is shown through the drinks, fire is shown through the candles, earth is shown through flowers, and wind is of course shown through papel picado.

Sugar Skulls: Skeletons are big part of el Día de los Muertos, and these sugar skulls are made out of a paste called alfeñique. These brightly colored skulls represent the departed souls in the circle of life.

Pan de muerto: Pan de muerto is a type of pan dulce which is a sugared bread/pastry. The sweet bread made with eggs, butter and milk, is prepared in honor of deceased loved ones and placed on their altars. 

Here at Saint Joe, we put out our own ofrenda in the commons, look for it in the next week!

“I love celebrating with my family every year,”  says sophomore Rebecca Lizarraga.

Lastly, el Día de los Muertos is a day full of dancing, singing, parades, and muchas fiestas. Have fun this November first, and try to find a way where you can celebrate! ¡Diga hola a tus seres queridos en el día de muertos!