DIA DE MUERTOS 2024

BRIEF HISTORY

Religious festivity with deep pre-Hispanic roots, celebrating the visit of the deceased who, according to belief, return from the beyond to eat and spend time with the living. This belief dates back to pre-Hispanic times and has been adapted and modified by the Catholic religion. In different regions of Mexico, it takes on various names: Day of the Faithful Departed, Faithful Departed, All Souls’ Day, All Saints' Day, Feast of All Saints, Todos Santos, Day of the Blessed Souls, Xantolo or Chantolo, and Hanal Pixan. It is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd; generally, the first day is dedicated to children and the second to adults, but some people begin celebrating on October 31st, when the souls in limbo arrive. During these days, the tradition is to create the famous altars for the dead, where the favorite foods and drinks of the spirits are placed. As the day approaches, markets are filled with large quantities of marigolds and amaranth flowers, which are the traditional flowers for the altars, as well as candles, votives, and sugar skulls. Visiting cemeteries is a must during this time, happening at any hour of the day. In some places, families of the deceased spend the night at the cemetery praying and lighting candles.