Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. The holiday has grown in popularity beyond Mexico and is now celebrated in various forms in many parts of the world, including the United States. Rooted in indigenous Mesoamerican traditions and Catholicism, the holiday is a time when families come together to remember and honor their loved ones who have passed away.
During the holidays, it is typical to visit, clean, and decorate the grave of a loved one and to construct an altar in your home, decorated with colorful cut tissue paper (papel picado) and photos (fotos) of those you remember.
The altar usually consists of offerings (ofrendas), like the favorite foods and mementos of the departed. There are also scented orange marigold flowers (cempasúchil), which guide the spirits to their offerings: bread of the dead (pan de muertos), water (agua), candles (velas), and skulls (calaveras) in the form of sugar candies (alfeñiques). Incense (copal) is burned to help attract the spirits of loved ones to the altar, enticing them to come and join the living during the Day of the Dead celebration.
At several of our libraries, you’ll find beautifully crafted Día de los Muertos displays and altars honoring the rich traditions of this celebration. These ofrendas, adorned with vibrant marigold flowers, glowing candles, colorful sugar skulls, and cherished photos of family members, friends, and even pets, offer a beautiful reminder of those who have passed. Many libraries will also host special Día de los Muertos programs and celebrations. This year, attendees can create papel picado, decorate sugar skulls, and enjoy interactive storytelling and music sessions that bring the history and significance of the holiday to life. These hands-on activities provide a deeper understanding of Día de los Muertos and inspire creativity through art and crafts.
As Día de los Muertos gains recognition across the globe, we celebrate both its traditional roots and the ways it has evolved in modern communities while maintaining its spirit of remembrance and joy. We invite you to celebrate Día de los Muertos at Contra Costa County Libraries to experience a meaningful tradition that promotes family, community, and the celebration of life.
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