Each fall, the warm glow of candles and the scent of marigolds fill homes and cemeteries across Mexico and beyond. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time when families come together to honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away. Far from being a somber event, the holiday celebrates life, love, and the bonds that continue even after death.

The holiday has deep roots in Indigenous traditions that long predate European influence. Over time, it blended with Catholic practices introduced during colonization, creating the two-day celebration observed on November 1 and 2. Families build altars, called ofrendas, decorated with photos, flowers, candles, and favorite foods of the departed. These offerings welcome the spirits home, turning remembrance into a joyful reunion.

“We always get balloons and let them in the air,” freshman Yami Ramirez Farias said. “We say a small prayer to our relatives and talk about the memories we had with them and things we could have done.”

This act of remembrance reflects the heart of Día de los Muertos—connecting generations through shared stories and traditions. The holiday invites families to reflect on where they come from and to celebrate the people who helped shape their lives.

“It’s a day to remember our loved ones and people we may have not [gotten] to meet,” Ramirez said. “It’s a way for all of us in the family to stay connected and to remember all of those people and where we came from.”

Beyond the rituals and offerings, Día de los Muertos also encourages emotional reflection. The celebration allows people to express both grief and joy, showing that love can exist beyond loss.

“I feel sad, but it’s a happy thing—that you love someone so much that you remember and love them still,” sophomore Emily Martinez said.

Across many households, altars become the centerpiece of the celebration. Decorated with bright colors, food, and candles, these displays create a warm space where memories come alive.

“The larger table holds the pictures of all our dead relatives and the smaller table has all the offerings on it,” sophomore Audrey Villegas said. “It’s really decorative—flowers, food, candles. It’s a celebration of life, whether you’re here or not.”

While every family’s celebration is unique, the spirit of Día de los Muertos remains universal: honoring the past and recognizing the lasting presence of those who came before.

“At the end of the day, they’re the ones that helped us be here,” Ramirez said.