Día de los Muertos: The Celebration of Life and Legacy

By Maryanne Chepkorir

Reading time: 0 minute

October 27, 2025

Contents

Introduction

Origins of Día de los Muertos
Building an Ofrenda: A Sacred Act of Remembrance
The Marigold Flower: A Guiding Light for Spirits
Sugar Skulls and Face Painting: Symbols of Life’s Duality
Traditional Foods: Nourishing the Spirits

Conclusion

Introduction

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is more than a holiday; it’s a heartfelt celebration of life, love, and legacy. Every year on November 1st and 2nd, families come together to honor their loved ones who have passed, embracing traditions that blend indigenous beliefs with Spanish customs.

Although it might seem somber to some, Día de los Muertos is actually a joyous occasion, filled with color, music, and memories. This celebration teaches us that our loved ones’ legacies live on, transcending time and death itself.

Here at Comligo, we recently hosted a Día de los Muertos workshop, sharing insights into the holiday's origins, symbolism, and beautiful traditions. If you missed it, we’re excited to explore more of its significance with you in this post.

Día de los Muertos is one of the most important Spanish holidays and traditions every learner should know, offering rich cultural insights and a deeper appreciation of how heritage and remembrance shape identity.

1. Origins of Día de los Muertos

The roots of Día de los Muertos trace back to the ancient Aztec and indigenous civilizations in Mexico, where death was seen as a part of life’s natural cycle. When Spanish colonization introduced Catholic customs, these traditions merged to create a distinctive holiday that celebrates life through remembrance. Through its vibrant altars, symbolic foods, and colorful artistry, Día de los Muertos is a powerful example of how Spanish shapes cultural expression through art, music, and tradition.

2. Building an Ofrenda: A Sacred Act of Remembrance

The ofrenda, or altar, is a cornerstone of Día de los Muertos. Families adorn it with marigolds, photos, candles, and cherished items to honor their departed. Placing loved ones’ favorite foods or belongings on the ofrenda is a symbolic way of welcoming their spirits back, creating a bridge between the living and the dead.

3. The Marigold Flower: A Guiding Light for Spirits

Known as "the flower of the dead," the marigold’s vivid orange and yellow hues are believed to guide spirits back to the world of the living. Paths of marigold petals are often laid from the gravesite to the ofrenda, creating a colorful path that invites spirits home for the celebration.

4. Sugar Skulls and Face Painting: Symbols of Life’s Duality

Decorated sugar skulls, or calaveras, add a playful and colorful touch, representing the acceptance of mortality with humor and vibrancy. Face painting in the style of La Catrina, an elegant skull figure, is also popular, symbolizing the blending of life and death and reminding us that the two are deeply intertwined.

5. Traditional Foods: Nourishing the Spirits

Food is central to Día de los Muertos. Families cook beloved dishes of those who have passed, including pan de muerto (a decorated sweet bread) and tamales. These offerings nourish both the spirits and those left behind, reinforcing bonds and preserving family traditions across generations.

Conclusion

Día de los Muertos invites us to reflect on life, love, and the legacy we leave behind. As a joyful celebration, it transcends death, teaching us to embrace each moment fully while cherishing the memories of those who came before us.

Whether you are observing Día de los Muertos for the first time or continuing a cherished family tradition, let this holiday remind you that love endures beyond life.

Are you celebrating Día de los Muertos this year? Share how you honor your loved ones in the comments, or tell us about your favorite traditions! And if you’re interested in future workshops with Comligo, stay tuned for more cultural insights and celebrations.