When you think of Halloween, several activities may come to mind: trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, haunted houses and festive costumes. While Halloween has its fun, did you know that it also shares the spotlight with another traditional holiday?
Dios De los Muertos, or The Days of the Dead, is a holiday that originated in Mexico, but is also commonly celebrated 
throughout other parts of Latin America. Despite the name, you won’t find any ghoulish figures in a traditional Day of the Dead celebration. Typically observed from October 31st– November 2nd, The Day of the Dead is meant to honor the lives of the deceased through colorful displays, delicious food and familial gatherings. The celebration coincides with the 3-part Catholic holiday of All Saint’s Eve, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. In many parts of Mexico, the holiday season is often signaled by the sight of the monarch butterfly, which migrates to Mexico each autumn. The butterflies are believed to be the spirits of past ancestors returning to celebrate with their loved ones.
As rooted in tradition, it is a common practice to decorate grave sites or construct small shrines or altars adorned with pictures and other personal mementos of one’s ancestors. Brightly colored and fragrant marigolds are placed as a means of guiding the souls of the deceased to reunite with their family.
Other common decorations include calacas and calveras (skeletons and skulls) which, unlike what is typically found during Halloween, are not used to invoke fear, but rather to depict the happiness and enjoyment of life. Intricate and ornately crafted sugar skulls are often given as gifts to family or friends.
Aside from the beautiful decorations, food also plays a huge part in the celebrations. Pan De Muerto, or “Bread of the Dead,” is a traditional Mexican sweet bread typically enjoyed during the Day of the Dead festivities. It’s often molded into the shape of bones, animals or other figures, baked and dusted with sugar. Many families will also serve favorite foods of their loved ones to honor them.
To recognize this unique holiday, we invite you to join us tomorrow, Friday, October 30th at University Park for a “Day of the Dead” inspired dinner in each of our five dining commons! Check out the delicious menu our chefs have prepared for you:
We hope to see you there!
Photos Adapted from Pratt Library, grrlscout224,