When is Day of the Dead 2024?
The Day of the Dead is observed on November 2 each year. It follows on from All Hallows Eve on October 31 and The Day of the Children and All Saints Day on November 1.
History of Day of the Dead
The ancient indigenous people of Mexico have practiced rituals celebrating the lives of past ancestors for around 3,000 years. The celebration that is now known as Day of the Dead originally landed on the ninth month of the Aztec calendar and was observed for the entire month. In the 20th century, the month long festivities were condensed to three days called The Days of the Dead: Halloween on October 31, Day of the Innocents on November 1, and Day of the Dead on November 2.
La Catrina is one of the most recognizable figures of Day of the Dead, a towering female skeleton with vibrant make up and a flamboyant feathery hat. The Lady of Death worshipped by the Aztecs protected their departed loved ones, guiding them through their final stages of the life and death cycles. La Catrina that we know today came to be in the early 1900s by controversial and political cartoonist José Guadalupe Posada. Artist and husband of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, included José’s La Catrina in one of his murals which depicted 400 years of Mexican history. His mural, “Dreams of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park”, includes himself and a young child holding hands with La Catrina, who is dressed in sophisticated garb and a fancy feathered hat.
Plans for Day of the Dead are made throughout the year. Toys are offered to dead children and bottles of alcohol or jars of alote get offered to dead adults. Most families decorate their loved ones’ graves with ofrendas, which often includes marigolds. It’s said that these specific flowers attract the souls of the dead to the offerings, and the bright petals and strong scent guides the souls from the cemetery to their family’s home.
Since the 1960s, when the Mexican government declared it a public holiday based on educational policy initiatives, Dia de Muertos has been observed throughout Mexico. The tradition was added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s Representative List of Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008.
Day of the Dead timeline
The Day of the Dead is introduced to Mexico by Spanish invaders.
The Mexican state declares it a public holiday.
UNESCO incorporates the heritage into the Representative List of Humanity's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The 2015 James Bond movie- "Spectre," featured a Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. piquing public interest.
Traditions
The main tradition for Day of the Dead sees families gather to honor and remember their loved ones who are no longer with us. Celebrated as a sacred and joyous occasion, there is plenty of food, lots of flowers, visits with family members and nostalgic stories about those who have died.
Day of the Dead FAQs
What happens on the Day of the Dead?
What colors are used in Dia de los Muertos?
This holiday uses the colors yellow and orange to portray marigolds, the sun, and light. Marigolds are the flowers of the dead, and their strong scent and bright colors are thought to aid the deceased in finding their way back home.
What is an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos?
An ofrenda is a collection of offerings and decorative objects place on a ritual display during Day of the Dead celebrations.
How to Observe Day of the Dead
Learn about Mexican culture
This holiday is a good opportunity to explore the rich culture of the Mexican people. Learn more about their customs and explore some of their most popular festivals and holidays.
Visit a community cemetery
Many cemeteries are filled with festive sounds, smells, and imagery. Even if you don't have an altar, stop by a local community event to experience the sights and sounds that fill this day.
Host a Day of the Dead event at your home
This day is meant to be celebrated with family and friends. Make a large dinner and ask people to bring a photo of a loved one that has passed away, and place all photos on a table. During dinner, go around the table and have everyone say one fun memory about their loved one. The key is to keep it fun, positive, and festive.
Why Day of the Dead is Important
You get to remember your loved ones
While death can be a mournful experience, the Day of the Dead allows us to remember the happy memories we have of our loved ones.
Altars show respect for the dead
Altars may come in different shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose, to show respect and honor a late loved one. This day provides you a time to go through old photographs, letters, toys, and other items that may hold sentimental value.
It brings people together
Believers across the country observe the holiday. People who share similar beliefs and practices unite to mark the holiday.
Day of the Dead dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 2 | Saturday |
| 2025 | November 2 | Sunday |
| 2026 | November 2 | Monday |
| 2027 | November 2 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | November 2 | Thursday |
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