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Spirits Reunite with Loved Ones as Día de los Muertos Celebrations Commence
31 Oct
Summary
- Día de los Muertos, a 3,000-year-old Mexican holiday, celebrates the reunion of spirits with loved ones
- Families create trails of marigold petals to guide spirits home and decorate altars with personal items
- The holiday inspired the Disney/Pixar film "Coco" and features parades, face painting, and traditional foods
As the veil between the mortal and immortal worlds thins this weekend, communities across the U.S. are preparing to celebrate Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This 3,000-year-old Mexican holiday rooted in indigenous culture is a time for families to welcome the spirits of their deceased loved ones.
The celebrations begin on October 31 and continue through November 2, with November 1 honoring the souls of deceased children and November 2 dedicated to adults. Families create a trail of marigold petals from their front doors to their altars, believed to guide the spirits home. These altars are adorned with photos, favorite foods and drinks, and other personal items of the departed.
Día de los Muertos has also inspired the beloved Disney/Pixar film "Coco," which tells the story of a young Mexican boy who travels to the land of the dead. As part of the holiday, people often dress up as skeletons and participate in parades to honor the deceased. Traditional foods like pan de muerto, a sweet bread, are also enjoyed.
