By Daisy Garcia Montoya 
Education Reporter 

Every year as autumn settles in, families in parts of Latin America, particularly in Mexico, gather to honor their ancestors in a celebration of life, love, and remembrance. Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), is a tradition deeply rooted in Mexican culture, blending ancient indigenous practices with Catholic traditions after Spanish invaders brought All Souls’ Day to Mexico in the early 1500s. 

Dia de Muertos, celebrated November 1-2, coincides with the Catholic holiday All Souls’ Day and honors the dead by viewing death as an important part of the life cycle. Through this holiday, the dead are recognized as still being an integral part of the community, keeping their memory and spirit alive by welcoming them back to Earth during Dia de Muertos. 

Unlike somber mourning, Dia de Muertos is filled with music, food, color, and remembrance as a way to keep the memory of passed ones alive as the years go by. Although commonly but misguidedly referred to as the ‘Mexican Halloween”, decorations and festivities are done in order to welcome loved ones back for a brief reunion among the living. 

Through the festivities, families build ofrendas (altars) decorated in bright colors with marigold flowers, candles, favorite food and drinks and photos of loved members who have passed away. Additionally, calaveras (sugar skulls) and papel picado are representative of the holiday and often used as decorations. 

Locally, many organizations also host events to celebrate Dia de Muertos and honor loved ones.

  • Museum of Kansas City – 12th Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration
    • October 18th, 5-9pm 
    • Museum of Kansas City
  • Dia de los Muertos Festival at Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
    • November 2nd, 10-4pm
    • Nelson Atkins Museum of Art 
  • Guadalupe Centers Dia de los Muertos Celebration
    • October 30th, 5-9pm 
    • 1015 Avenida Cesar E. Chavez, Kansas City Missouri
  • Mattie Rhodes Center Calaca Parade
    • November 7th, 6-10pm
    • 1701 Jarboe St, Kansas City Missouri 64108

Although Dia de Muertos is a Latin American tradition, particularly Mexican, everyone is invited to participate and celebrate its cultural roots with respect. This holiday is a way to honor and remember those who have passed away by connecting with the past and celebrating life. 

To learn more about the traditions that Dia de Muertos hold, visit: https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/day-dead-resources