Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos): All you Need to Know

An interesting and unique holiday in Mexico is Día de Los Muertos. In English, it is known as “Day of the Dead”. The Día de Los Muertos holiday is a time for family and friends to honor and pay respect to their loved ones that have passed on. Throughout Mexico and in Puerto Vallarta, the Día de Los Muertos celebration starts in the last part of October and lasts through the first week of November. November 2nd is the official holiday. This is when family and friends come together to honor their loved ones that have died. Many times family and friends will create an altar (known as ofrendas in Spanish). Ready to head to Mexico to celebrate in person? Villa Group Resorts have special low cost travel packages available for sale right now. Contact them today to reserve your stay. In the meantime, read more below to learn all about Día de Los Muertos.

All About the Day of the Dead

The background of Día de Los Muertos is taken from pre-Columbian culture. Día de Los Muertos rituals have been observed for more than three thousand years. At first, the event was celebrated during the summer months. However, when Spanish conquistadors arrived during the 16th Century, the event was moved to the fall to coincide with Western Christianity holidays of All Saints Day, All Saints Eve, and All Souls Day. Día de Los Muertos celebrations start in late October. The culmination of Día de Los Muertos occurs on November 2nd when family, friends, and loved ones come together to visit the graves of people that have died in order to celebrate their life and honor their memory. In fact, many family and friends choose to stay all night at the graves of their loved ones just talking about them and remembering their lives.

Day of the Dead Altars

A major part of Mexican culture is the annual Día de Los Muertos event. This event has been going on for many centuries in Mexico. Family and friends take this time to joyfully celebrate the lives of the people that have died. They also construct an altar or ofrenda in homes and at the gravesite of the deceased. The altars will contain personal items that were significant to the deceased including food, drink, or anything else that person loved. Also, they decorate the altar with bright flowers, calaveras, and then a picture of the person that died is added as a centerpiece to the altar. Families will spend many hours or even stay all night at the altar. The altars are very beautiful and vibrant and are displayed both in people’s homes and in graveyards.

Día de Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta

Will you be on vacation in Mexico during the Día de Los Muertos event? Although adjustments have been made due to the COVID crisis, by following precautions, visitors are safe to travel to Mexico right now. In fact, this is the perfect time of year to vacation in Puerto Vallarta. The weather is wonderful, and the Malecon boardwalk is open for visitors. There, the Malecon boardwalk will contain many beautiful and decorated altars for everyone to see and enjoy. The altars will be decorated in bright and vibrant colors, and you can expect lots of fun, foods, and drinks, too. This will give you a look into the rich culture of Mexico. Remember, make sure you wear your facemask in public. Also, follow social distancing and hygiene recommendations so you can stay safe.

You have just read all about the Día de Los Muertos. On November 2nd, Puerto Vallarta and Mexico will be celebrating the Día de Los Muertos. This is a great tradition that honors those who have passed away before us. If you are wanting to go on vacation in Puerto Vallarta, then contact the Villa Group Resorts. Right now, they have quality vacation packages that are very affordable, too. Contact them today, so you can celebrate the Día de Los Muertos event in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. You deserve a dream vacation to Mexico where you can embrace the rich heritage of culture of the incredible country.