Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021
The Day of the Dead (El Día de Los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday celebrating the reunion of families and the souls of their deceased relatives. This reunion includes drinks, food, and celebrating among those of Mexican heritage around the world. The holiday is celebrated from October 31st through November 2nd. It starts with Halloween, November 1st is All Saints Day, and November 2nd is All Souls Day and Day of the Dead.
All Saints Day
All Saints Day is a religious observance by the Roman Catholics and other Christian Denominations. This is considered a Holy Day in the Catholic Church, where people attend Mass to honor all saints that have attained heaven.
All Souls Day
Although they share the same day, All Souls Day and Day of the Dead aren’t 100% the same. All Souls Day is a day of remembrance and prayer for the faithful departed. This day is observed by the Roman Catholic Church to remember the souls of those who are in Purgatory. Purgatory is a place where people who are still considered members of the church go after they die, to atone for their sins before they go to Heaven.
Day Of The Dead Origins
The Day of the Dead began around 3,000 years ago, starting with the Aztecs and others who lived in what is now central Mexico. They believed that there was life after death, so they would hold ceremonies to honor the dead.
How To Celebrate
Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in a couple of different ways. Some families get together and make ofrendas, which are displays honoring their deceased loved ones. These displays contain pictures or statues of the honored person, candles, incense, and offerings of food and beverages. This holiday can also be celebrated by visiting the grave sites of loved ones and leaving food and offerings for them.
It is believed that on the Day of the Dead, the souls of the dead awaken and return to the living to reconnect with their loved ones for a celebration. The deceased are treated as honored guests, which is why families leave food or offerings for them, or build ofrendas in their homes.
During Day of the Dead festivities, the most common symbols are skeletons or sugar skulls. People wear sugar skull masks, paint sugar skulls on their faces, and decorate with them.
Celebrate Day Of The Dead With Us!
Come join us for Día De Los Muertos this year, as we celebrate our loved ones! Check out our Locations to find a restaurant near you and view our Menu to see the wide array of options we have available.
