The Mexican tradition of the El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrates the spirit of the deceased believed to visit their families on October 31 and leave on November 2.By Laura Spencer (edited by Linda Sher)
Kansas City, MO – El Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) is a Mexican celebration to celebrate, remember and prepare special foods in honor of those who have departed. The holiday reflects the tradition of reacting to death with mourning along with happiness and joy.
In order to celebrate, the families make altars and place ofrendas (offerings) of food such as pan de muertos baked in shapes of skulls and figures, candles, incense, yellow marigolds known as cempazuchitl (also spelled zempasuchil) and most importantly a photo of the departed soul is placed on the altar.
From the Mattie Rhodes Center, Jenny Mendez gives us a perspective.