Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead”, is a joyous and reflective annual celebration rooted in Mexican culture, that dates back to indigenous practices in Mesoamerica and creates a space for family members to commemorate their ancestors.

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This holiday falls at the same time as Halloween, but it is different and does not include imagery such as witches, black cats, or pumpkins. The primary focus of  Day of the Dead is to honor our deceased loved ones, and we often use skull imagery to symbolize death and rebirth. Families often set up offerings or altars called ofrendas that is a collection of food, beverages, and items that memorialize ancestral spirits, either at home, at cemeteries, or other sacred locations.  Throughout Día de los Muertos celebrations, rituals to honor ancestors include feasting on foods such as pan de Muertos or Calaveras de azúcar, and playing or singing the songs which were favored by their ancestors. Some ofrendas are also decorated with color decor such as marigolds and papel picado.

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Our Community Altar Art Installation is created with the help of families and community members. If you would like to join us, please contact us at info@mujeresdelatierra.org