Celebrated throughout Mexico every November 1 and 2, Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a cherished tradition in which families welcome the spirits of departed loved ones with marigolds, music, and tequila. In this article, we explore the origins of this remarkable celebration and six essential elements of its traditions. From the vibrant rhythms of technocumbia echoing through the streets of Guadalajara to an unforgettable evening spent with an agave-growing family in the Los Altos region, we discover Mexico's unique cultural perspective on death: one that embraces remembrance with warmth, joy, and laughter.

Día de Muertos: Day of the Dead

— A Night of Welcoming Our Ancestors with Tequila —

What Is Día de Muertos?

Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican celebration held annually on November 1 and 2. It is a time to welcome back and honor the spirits of ancestors, family members, and loved ones who have passed away. In 2008, the tradition was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

While the celebration shares certain similarities with Japan's Obon festival, Día de Muertos is distinguished by its vibrant and joyful atmosphere. Rather than focusing solely on mourning, families and communities fill the streets with colorful marigolds and decorative skulls, welcoming the departed with their favorite foods, music, and cherished memories.

Six Essential Elements of Día de Muertos

Many people may have first encountered Día de Muertos through the opening sequence of the 24th James Bond film, Spectre (2015), or Disney and Pixar's Coco (2017, released in Japan in 2018). Here, we introduce six essential elements that bring this extraordinary Mexican tradition to life.

Ofrenda: A traditional Mexican altar created to honor and welcome departed loved ones. An ofrenda is typically adorned with photographs, water to quench the spirits' thirst after their long journey, salt for purification, candles, and copal incense. In some households, tequila is also placed on the altar as an offering.

Cempasúchil: The brilliant orange marigold, one of the most recognizable symbols of Día de Muertos. Its vivid color and distinctive fragrance are believed to guide the returning spirits safely to their homes and resting places.

Calavera: Decorative skulls made from sugar or chocolate are iconic symbols of the celebration. Another famous figure is La Calavera Catrina, the elegantly dressed skeletal woman originating from the satirical illustrations of Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada. Rather than representing something to be feared, these figures reflect the Mexican tradition of embracing death as a natural part of life, often with humor, affection, and a playful spirit.

Pan de Muerto: A traditional sweet bread enjoyed during Día de Muertos, often delicately flavored with anise or orange blossom water. Its distinctive decoration features crossed strips of dough resembling bones, along with a small rounded piece traditionally associated with the symbolism of death and remembrance.

Papel Picado: Delicately cut tissue-paper banners that adorn streets, homes, and altars during the festivities. Suspended overhead and gently moving in the breeze, these colorful decorations symbolize the presence of the wind and are said to announce the arrival of returning spirits.

Tequila and Mezcal: Among the most meaningful offerings are Mexico's traditional agave spirits, shared in honor of ancestors and departed loved ones. November 2 is traditionally associated with the return of adult spirits. Some people begin by pouring a few drops of tequila onto the earth as a symbolic offering to their ancestors, before taking the time to savor their own glass. It is a simple yet heartfelt gesture of remembrance, connection, and respect.

The Rhythm of Technocumbia: A Night in Guadalajara

The nights of Día de Muertos are filled with energy and celebration. Having experienced the festivities many times myself, I can say that music seems to echo through the streets until dawn.

One particularly popular style is cumbia, a rhythm that has become deeply woven into the musical culture of Mexico. In Jalisco, the state that is home to the town of Tequila, a lively variation known as technocumbia has gained a particularly enthusiastic following.

Even those unfamiliar with the name may recognize its unmistakable beat:

♪ Boom-cha, boom-cha
♪ Boom-cha, boom-cha

It is the kind of infectious rhythm heard in contemporary Latin music, including songs by artists such as Bad Bunny.

These days, Guadalajara seems to pulse with the sounds of technocumbia. The rhythm continues late into the night, often until sunrise.

People gather to enjoy tequila, Palomas, and frozen Margaritas, stopping at street stalls for tacos and chicharrón, a deliciously crisp snack made from fried pork skin.

What I find especially fascinating is that, despite the lively atmosphere and abundance of drinks, I rarely encounter people who appear excessively intoxicated. There is a remarkable sense of balance between celebration and enjoyment.

An Invitation to an Agave-Growing Family in Los Altos

One Día de Muertos, I had the privilege of being invited to the home of a prominent agave-growing family in the Los Altos region of Jalisco.

Their home was an impressive three-story residence built in the Spanish architectural style. Inside stood a magnificent ofrenda, reaching nearly three meters in height.

A large dining table was filled with an abundance of traditional dishes. The evening began in a solemn and respectful atmosphere, but as the familiar rhythm of cumbia began to fill the air — ♪ boom-cha, boom-cha — the mood gradually became more relaxed and joyful.

Before long, someone suggested that we try a rather unusual drinking tradition passed down through the family.

A Spirited Family Tradition

I was handed a large piece of thick cardboard, shaped somewhat like home plate on a baseball field, and asked to step outside.

Looking up, I saw several young women standing on the second-floor balcony. The idea was to fold the cardboard in half and use it as a makeshift channel to guide tequila being poured from the balcony directly into our mouths below.

Needless to say, it was quite an adventurous way to enjoy tequila.

In my case, most of the tequila ended up splashing straight onto my face, sending everyone into fits of laughter.

It was a wonderfully memorable experience, a special tradition shared by a family whose lives are devoted to carefully cultivating the agave plant.

I like to imagine that their ancestors were laughing along with us that night.

Embracing Life and Death with a Playful Spirit

Death is an inevitable part of life. Yet that unforgettable evening reminded me of something precious: the importance of never losing our sense of humor, our warmth, or our ability to celebrate the moments we share with others.

It was a lesson learned through laughter, on a remarkable Día de Muertos night that I will always remember.