Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a 2-day holiday on November 1–2 reuniting the living and the dead. The Disney Pixar movie Coco created a newfound fascination with the holiday for me. An annual celebration honoring relatives who have passed on but have a continued presence in our lives speaks to me. Latin American families create ofrendas (offerings) to celebrate their family members who have passed.
Photos of the departed decorate the altars, displayed with bright yellow marigold flowers, plus their favorite food and drinks. The offerings encourage visits from beyond as the departed souls hear our prayers, smell the food, and join in the celebrations. Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrating life and death, where mourning exchanges for celebration.
