When dusk falls on Oct. 31, the stage is set for one of the world’s most captivating holidays: Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. For two days, Latinos of all backgrounds welcome back departed loved ones through deeply-rooted traditions blending Aztec rituals with Catholic influences.

Day of the dead is celebrated in Latin culture to commemorate those that have passed away, and celebrate who they were by bringing out the person’s favorite dish or a symbol of their hobbies or activities. Although this tradition is well recognized as predominantly Latin, it is celebrated in many different parts of the world. 

While most strongly celebrated in Latin cultures, Day of the Dead has observances all around the world, each applying its own unique traditions. In Mexico, Día de Muertos focuses on reminiscing joyfully through decorated gravesites, parades, music, and favorite foods of those who have passed.

“It’s a holiday to remember loved ones by sharing a meal with them as you would when they were alive,” explains Severo Benavides, a Mexican American whose family has long honored these traditions. While often misperceived as Mexico’s “Halloween,” Día de Muertos differs greatly, focusing less on spookiness and more on fond remembrance.

The holiday’s origins trace back over 3,000 years ago to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic indigenous cultures, such as the Aztec, Maya, Purépecha and Mexico. Back then, displaying skulls and skeletons during death rituals symbolized the duality of life and death. 

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 1500s, they converted the Aztec month-long summer festivities into All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. 

One iconic symbol is La Catrina, an elegant female skeleton wearing a feathered hat. La Catrina originated in a 1900s etching by artist José Posada, satirizing Mexicans who aspired to European aristocracy. 

Diego Rivera later immortalized La Catrina in a famous mural. With her unique makeup and attire, she reminds viewers that death comes to all, regardless of status. 

Today, Día de Muertos varies across Mexico, but a few key symbols retain their significance. 

Vibrant marigold flowers called cempasúchil are believed to help departeds’ souls find their way to altars with their sunny color and heady scent. Monarch butterflies, arriving in Mexico each fall around early November, are thought to bear the spirits of loved ones. Whimsical sugar skulls and toys are laid out for children who’ve passed, in Michoacán, villages host vibrant Noche de los Muertos celebrations with candlelit cemeteries and boat rituals.

In Oaxaca, elaborate home altars overflow with toys, candles and treats to welcome spirits on Día de los Angelitos and Día de los Difuntos. Other regions add their own spin, in Spain, people take flowers and candles to graves. In Brazil, Dia de Finados festivities feature citywide parades and musical tributes.

While Day of the Dead is deeply rooted in Mexican tradition, Americans can also partake in the holiday respectfully. To avoid cultural appropriation, it’s important to learn about the historical and spiritual significance behind customs like sugar skulls or face painting.

The face paintings come in different styles, different colors, all on to what they want to paint on their face, some people go with the traditional Catrina. The Catrina symbolizes the cycle of life, and serves as a form of remembering the joy of life and to embrace the dead, and their lives. People in Mexico use the Catrina as a symbol of the afterlife.

Rather than emulating traditions outright, Americans can honor the holiday’s spirit by creating small altars to remember loved ones who’ve passed away, use marigolds, photos and the favorite foods or drinks of deceased family and friends.

People can also support Mexican culture by attending Day of the Dead events hosted by Latino communities.

Wherever celebrated, Día de los Muertos unites us through its reflection on death as a part of life, the holiday offers a chance to honor ancestors and keep their memories alive, whether through indigenous rituals or simple acts of remembrance. 

Día de los Muertos honors those we’ve lost through traditions that transcend cultures, Highline will be celebrating Day of the Dead on Nov. 2, at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Building 8 commemorating those that we have lost.