What to Expect

Transformed over the years, the Day of the Dead, or El Día de los Muertos, is an ancient festival when families throughout Mexico remember their departed loved ones and celebrate the continuity of life. Celebrated October 31 through November 2, the Day of the Dead is festive rather than somber, when families visit the graves of their relations, tell stories about their loved ones, and adorn gravesites and altars with flowers, candles, photos of the deceased, and offerings, such as special foods. During this time, families believe that the souls of the dead return and are present around them. We have the opportunity to observe the decoration of gravesites in the village of Santa Maria del Tule; the family rituals of children accompanying their parents at Oaxaca’s main cemetery; and in nearby Xoxocotlan, a candlelight celebration by people gathered around lavishly-decorated tombs.