By: Kim K., New Media & Research Assoc., API Texas
Today marks El Día de Los Muertos, which despite popular belief is not a Mexican version of Halloween. El Día de Los Muertos is a holiday for family to remember loved ones who have passed. The holiday is not a time to be mournful, but rather a two day event rooted in themes of celebration and remembrance.
To commemorate deceased loved ones, families prepare ofrendas (altars) adorned with candy, flowers, fruit, candles and photos. Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead) is baked. Music, sugar skulls, smiling skeletons as well as parades fill the streets.
For me, studying abroad in Querétaro, México during Día de Los Muertos was nothing short of incredible. Experiencing this holiday first-hand made me realize that while some cultures shy away from the topic of death (such as my own), the Mexican culture embraces it. It was a great “aha moment”.
