Day of the Dead

Lore & Background

The Day of the Dead has disputed origins. Some argue for Indigenous Mexican or ancient Aztec influences, while others see it as a local expression of the Allhallowtide season brought by the Spanish. Mexican academics are divided on whether it has genuine pre-Hispanic roots or is a 20th-century rebranding of a Spanish tradition developed during the presidency of Lázaro Cárdenas to encourage Mexican nationalism through an 'Aztec' identity. Historian Elsa Malvido of the Mexican Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia completely discards a native or syncretic origin, tracing the tradition fully to Medieval Europe, noting similar traditions in Catholic Southern Europe and Latin America.

Reader's Guide

The Day of the Dead has become a national symbol in recent decades and is taught in Mexico's school system asserting a native origin. In 2008, UNESCO inscribed it as an intangible cultural heritage 'as practised by the indigenous communities of Mexico.' The celebration includes honoring the deceased with calaveras and marigold flowers (cempazúchitl), building home altars (ofrendas) with favorite foods and beverages, and visiting graves. It also involves giving candy sugar skulls to friends, sharing pan de muerto, and writing light-hearted mock epitaphs (calaveras literarias). Views differ on whether the festivity has indigenous pre-Hispanic roots, is a modern adaptation of a European tradition, or a combination of both as syncretism. Critics note that current depictions have more in common with European Danse macabre traditions. The holiday's modern form was influenced by post-revolutionary indigenismo and anti-clericalism under Lázaro Cárdenas, with elements like La Calavera Catrina by José Guadalupe Posada being incorporated.

Did You Know?

• The Day of the Dead is traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, but other days like October 31 or November 6 may be included depending on the locality.
• Historian Elsa Malvido completely discards a native or syncretic origin, arguing the tradition can be fully traced to Medieval Europe.
• The celebration includes writing light-hearted mock epitaphs for living friends, a literary form known as calaveras literarias.
• The festivity was inscribed in 2008 on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as practised by indigenous communities of Mexico.