{"id":45557,"date":"2026-10-26T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sinclairclarion.com\/home\/?p=45557"},"modified":"2026-10-25T21:38:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T01:38:14","slug":"sinclair-brings-the-meaning-behind-dia-de-los-muertos-to-light","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sinclairclarion.com\/home\/tartan-news\/2026\/10\/26\/sinclair-brings-the-meaning-behind-dia-de-los-muertos-to-light\/","title":{"rendered":"Sinclair brings the meaning behind D\u00eda de los Muertos to light"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Spooky Season is celebrated in many different cultures and while in the USA the main celebration is Halloween, in Mexico the main celebration is D\u00eda de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n

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During<\/strong> the celebration of D\u00eda de Muertos, candlelight and marigolds are used to decorate<\/strong>. LACATHOLOICS.ORG.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2, the tradition is rooted in Indigenous customs and Catholic traditions. It is observed throughout Mexico and by people of Mexican ancestry in the United States and other countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The holiday is based on the belief that the spirits of deceased loved ones return to visit their families during the celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than focusing on death as something frightening, D\u00eda de los Muertos celebrates the lives of those who have passed and the connections they continue to have with their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most recognizable traditions is creating an ofrenda, or altar, <\/a>to welcome and honor the dead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Families decorate these altars with photographs of loved ones, candles, flowers, favorite foods and personal belongings. Marigolds, known as cempasuchil, are especially significant because their bright colors and strong scent are believed to guide spirits back to their families. <\/p>\n\n\n

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An example of an Ofrenda, usually has a picture of the loved one, marigolds and food offerings for their loved one’s journey. <\/strong>11ALIVE.COM.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Sugar skulls, colorful paper decorations and traditional sweet bread, known as pan de muerto, are also common elements of the celebration. Families may visit cemeteries, share meals and tell stories about those they have lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those interested in learning more about D\u00eda de los Muertos can attend Sinclair’s upcoming language event<\/a> on Oct. 29 from 2 to 3 p.m. in Room 2-320. The event will recognize the holiday through a collaboration between several departments, including Spanish, English, Social Work, International Education and Speakers of Other Languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erik Larson, reporter<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jacie Moore, managing editor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out more from The Clarion: <\/p>\n\n\n