Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican Holiday that is a celebration of the people who have passed on. It is a two-day celebration lasting from Nov. 1 to the 2. The holiday is partially based on an ancient Aztec celebration called All Souls Day, which is about celebrating one’s ancestors. That holiday got mixed in with Spanish Invader influence when they arrived in Mexico in the 1500s, creating the holiday of Día de los Muertos.

“Día de los Muertos is when you get to remember your loved ones and the ones who have passed away. It’s a way of keeping them alive in a way in your heart and memory,” said Catarina Garcia Hernandez, junior member of Mi Gente. 

Mi Gente is a cultural Latinx club at North that celebrates all Latin culture where you get to learn about different Latin history and holidays. These meetings also offer delicious snacks and fun activities.

“[Día de los Muertos] is important to me because I feel like we need to remember those who have passed away. Remembering their memory, remembering them helps you still feel that they are there,” said Leslie Hipolito, a junior in Mi Gente. 

Recently, the club has set up a display case version of an ofrenda, which is a mini altar that is decorated with photos of the people who have died with a collection of items that were dear to them in life. These items can be all sorts of things ranging from the traditional items of pan de muerto (bread of the dead) which symbolizes the departed, velas (candles) are lit to welcome back the dead spirits, Calaveras de azucar (sugar skulls) a common item representing death and the afterlife, even given to gifts to the living during the holiday. There are also papel picado (paper streamers), and caléndulas  (marigolds) which represent death, and their fragrance is meant to lead dead souls to their altars, or just some things that the person liked in their life like a favorite food or an object from a hobby they liked.

“I get to learn more about my family and my culture, ‘cause last year me and my family started making ofrendas. My mom was just telling me all about her grandparents and how she got to meet all of them. I just think it’s really nice to learn about it,” said Evelyn Rodriguez,  junior member of Mi Gente.

Día de los Muertos is celebrating passed loved ones and keeping their memory alive through celebration and stories. It’s a beautiful time of the year to connect with the family you love, living or dead.