As Mexican culture further permeates the U.S. with a population and immigration boom, many Americans mistakenly believe that the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is simply a Mexican version of Halloween.
Day of the Dead, which takes place Nov. 1, is actually much different from Halloween. The day is dedicated to the memory and celebration of ancestors who have died.
In the U.S, the Day of the Dead is often a misunderstood and carries negative connotations. Stephen Andes, University professor specializing in modern Mexico, said the negativity associated with the holiday is misplaced.
“That is a mistaken fear fueled largely by American fears of an exotic and unknown Mexico,” Andes said.
According to Andes, the true meaning of celebrating the Day of the Dead is much more sentimental in nature and is connected to the Catholic holiday All Saints Day.
“Perhaps Americans see it as a celebration of the dead,” Andes said. “But really, it is more about remembering loved ones, being linked with them even after they have passed.”
Andes said the Day of the Dead celebrations are marked by colorful processions, visits to the graves of family members, and the construction of altars with offerings to the souls of the dead.
In many places American and Mexican culture has merged to form new traditions.
“In urban areas, you can even see the influence of American-styled Halloween costumes,” Andes said. “Yet, in many other rural areas of Mexico, you can see indigenous and regional styles permeating the celebration.”
In the U.S., there are almost 32 million people of Mexican descent, according to the 2010 census, which is an increase of 54 percent from 2000. Andes said understanding the holidays and customs of emerging cultures is important to country with changing demographics.
Day of the Dead is a unique and special holiday dedicated to family that is yet to be overtaken by commercialism. Andes said this is a key difference in differentiating the celebration from the preceding day of Halloween.
“The American celebration of Halloween is largely a religious-turned-commercial holiday,” Said Andes. “Mexico’s Days of Dead are spaces where community solidarity, remembrance, and family continuity take shape.”