How Many Days Until
Día de los Muertos?
Day of the Dead 2025 begins on November 1, 2025.
About Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The multi-day holiday involves gathering with family and friends to remember and honor deceased loved ones. Rather than a time of mourning, it's a vibrant celebration of life and death, with colorful decorations, special foods, and joyful remembrance.
History & Origins
Day of the Dead has its origins in ancient Aztec festivals dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl, known as the "Lady of the Dead." When the Spanish colonized Mexico, these rituals became intertwined with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day (November 1-2).
The resulting holiday combines indigenous traditions with Catholic influences, creating a unique cultural celebration that honors deceased ancestors. In 2008, UNESCO recognized the importance of Día de los Muertos by including it in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Two Days of Celebration
November 1: Día de los Inocentes
Also known as Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), this day honors children who have passed away. Families create small altars with toys, candies, and favorite foods of the departed children.
November 2: Día de los Difuntos
This day honors adults who have died. Families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, often spending the entire day and night at the gravesite, sharing stories and meals.
Traditions & Symbols
Cemetery Visits
Families clean and decorate graves with marigolds, candles, and the favorite foods of the deceased.
Marigolds (Cempasúchil)
These vibrant orange flowers are used extensively as their scent is believed to guide spirits back to their families.
Calaveras (Skulls)
Sugar skulls, often decorated with colorful designs, represent the departed souls being celebrated.
Pan de Muerto
A sweet bread decorated with bone-shaped pieces, often flavored with orange blossom water or anise.
Papel Picado
Colorful tissue paper cut into elaborate designs, symbolizing the fragility of life.
La Catrina
The elegant skeleton lady who has become the most recognizable symbol of Day of the Dead celebrations.
Creating an Ofrenda (Altar)
The ofrenda (offering) is a central element of Day of the Dead celebrations. These aren't for worship, but rather to welcome spirits back to the realm of the living. They're often decorated with:
Photos
Pictures of the deceased loved ones being honored are placed prominently on the altar.
Candles
Candles light the way for spirits to find their way back to their families.
Food & Drink
The deceased's favorite foods, fruits, and beverages are placed as offerings.
Water
Water is provided to quench the thirst of spirits after their long journey.
Personal Items
Objects that were important to the deceased during their life.
Spirit Animals
Alebrijes or spirit animal figurines may guide souls on their journey.
Cultural Impact & Global Recognition
Day of the Dead's colorful imagery and positive approach to commemorating the deceased has gained international recognition. Its unique aesthetic has influenced art, fashion, film (like Disney-Pixar's "Coco"), and celebrations around the world. While rooted in Mexican tradition, Día de los Muertos themes of remembrance and honoring ancestors resonate globally, helping people process grief through celebration rather than solely through mourning.
"The Day of the Dead celebration is about life and death, not fear or sadness. It's a reunion of family members, alive and dead, and a celebration of their spirits."