Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead (actually several days between October 31 and November 2nd in Mexico though different dates in other countries) or Dia de los Muertos is a wonderful holiday celebrated in Mexico and several other Latin countries. This holiday spans several days of family activities such as cleaning and visiting graves of deceased love ones to pay respect. Many families will bring offerings (ofrendas) to family graves including tamales, bread of the dead (pan de muerto, a delicious sweet bread with decorative bones), sugar skulls (calaveras), and/or beautiful marigold flowers, spending time retelling stories of their families and remembering good times together.

Opinions vary as to whether this holiday is most directly connected to European traditions such as All Saints’ Day or All Souls’ Day or pre-columbian/Aztec traditions such as Quecholli (a six-day celebration honoring the god of war). Regardless of the origin the holiday brings color, richness, and life to a dark time of year and helps participants remember and stay connected with departed members of their family, all while surrounded by bright and beautiful colors or food and decorations. Some towns, such as Oaxaca in the South of Mexico, decorate the whole town, with each store-front competing for pride of place with their colorful altars including handmade, painted paper-mache skeletons of dogs, women, men, children, and many other images. Each night often includes a special parade oriented towards different departed family members, perhaps children on one evening and adults on another.

Here at Studio Red Design, we are in awe of the colors, the craftsmanship, and the stories that wend around this special holiday. We love the connection between the past and the present created by spending some time with departed friends and family. Though you may not personally celebrate the Day of the Dead, take some time to remember those who have passed and try to bring some light into this dark time of year.

Above are inspirational Day of the Dead pieces that surround our work and living space.