Dia de los Muertos is a day to commemorate and celebrate people’s loved ones who have passed away, and this celebration is held in many countries around the world such as Mexico, Haiti, and the Philippines. It is most commonly celebrated on October 31st through November 2nd. In Mexico it is most commonly celebrated by having a party, making an ofrenda, which is an altar, and going to the cemetery to decorate your loved one’s tomb. In Haiti, it is celebrated in many ways but is most celebrated by having large parades called Fét Gede which include traditional dancers parading.

Dia de los Muertos is said to have first been celebrated by indigenous people in Mesoamerica. The celebration is said to have been first celebrated around 3,000 years ago.

In Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated starting on the 27th of October. On the 27th, the pets and animals who have passed away visit the ofrenda. Objects such as dog toys, pictures, and favorite foods are placed on the ofrenda to receive and welcome departed pets. On the 28th, people who passed away due to violence visit the ofrenda. On the 29th, loved ones who passed away because they drowned visit the ofrenda. On October 30th, those who were forgotten by their family visit. On the 31st and 1st, these are days children who passed away visit the ofrenda. Finally, the last day, November 2nd, is the day all souls visit the ofrenda. On all of these days our loved ones who pass visit their living loved ones and spend time with them.

In Ecuador, Dia de los Muertos looks like a family walking down to the cemetery to spend time and  decorate with their loved ones. Compared to Mexico, Ecuadorian families usually decorate their loved one’s tombs with colorful flowers, but not Marigolds.

At Morton West, Dia de los Muertos will be celebrated on October 29th, in a beautiful event full of colors and happy people celebrating their loved ones who passed. The event will be hosted by Spanish Honors Society (SHH) and Universidad de la Comunidad and many other clubs. The event will include a Dia de los Muertos movie, Folkloric Dancing, and music. Food and activities will be provided so that guests can enjoy the beautiful celebration of Dia de Los Muertos. This event is great for the school given the large Hispanic population in the school. The event will allow students from the whole district to be able to connect with their culture and with each other.