A woman places a candle at an altar for her mother who died recently during the annual Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico on November 1. Reuters
A woman places a candle at an altar for her mother who died recently during the annual Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico on November 1. Reuters
Hundreds of families illuminate the graves of their loved ones, in Guerrero state, Mexico. Mexican families once again filled cemeteries with life on the Day of the Dead, on a morning in which they mostly dedicated themselves to cleaning and preparing the cemeteries of their deceased after two years of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA
Hundreds of families illuminate the graves of their loved ones, in Guerrero state, Mexico. Mexican families once again filled cemeteries with life on the Day of the Dead, on a morning in which they mostly dedicated themselves to cleaning and preparing the cemeteries of their deceased after two years of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA
A woman serves food for her guests near an altar in homage to a person who died recently during the annual Day of the Dead celebration in Santa Fe de La Laguna in Mexico. Reuters
A woman serves food for her guests near an altar in homage to a person who died recently during the annual Day of the Dead celebration in Santa Fe de La Laguna in Mexico. Reuters
Offerings are placed at an altar in homage to a family member who died recently during the annual Day of the Dead celebration. Reuters
Offerings are placed at an altar in homage to a family member who died recently during the annual Day of the Dead celebration. Reuters
A boy lights candles as he attends a Night of the Dead celebration. People adorn the tombs of the dead and remain in the pantheon throughout the night waiting for their relatives. Tradition says that on the night of November 1 and early morning of November 2, the souls of the dead return to the world of the living. AFP
A boy lights candles as he attends a Night of the Dead celebration. People adorn the tombs of the dead and remain in the pantheon throughout the night waiting for their relatives. Tradition says that on the night of November 1 and early morning of November 2, the souls of the dead return to the world of the living. AFP
A woman prays in front of an altar in homage to a person who died recently. Reuters
A woman prays in front of an altar in homage to a person who died recently. Reuters
Majestic Catrinas are pictured during the Day of the Dead monumental offering at Zocalo square in Mexico City on November 1. AFP
Majestic Catrinas are pictured during the Day of the Dead monumental offering at Zocalo square in Mexico City on November 1. AFP
Men wearing masks dance during the offering in memory of their relatives amid Day of the Dead. EPA
Men wearing masks dance during the offering in memory of their relatives amid Day of the Dead. EPA
A mariachi group plays music outside the altar of Nuestra Senora de la Santa Muerte, or Our Lady of Holy Death, in Mexico City's Tepito neighborhood. La Santa Muerte is a folk saint, a personification of death, associated with healing, protection, and safe delivery to the afterlife by her devotees. AP Photo
A mariachi group plays music outside the altar of Nuestra Senora de la Santa Muerte, or Our Lady of Holy Death, in Mexico City's Tepito neighborhood. La Santa Muerte is a folk saint, a personification of death, associated with healing, protection, and safe delivery to the afterlife by her devotees. AP Photo
A group of indigenous women dressed as Catrinas parade in the city of San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico. Hundreds of people dressed as skulls, ghosts and monsters paraded through the main streets of San Cristobal de Las Casas, to celebrate the mix of the traditional Day of the Dead of Mexico with Halloween of the United States. EPA
A group of indigenous women dressed as Catrinas parade in the city of San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico. Hundreds of people dressed as skulls, ghosts and monsters paraded through the main streets of San Cristobal de Las Casas, to celebrate the mix of the traditional Day of the Dead of Mexico with Halloween of the United States. EPA
A portrait and clothes of a family member who died recently during the annual Day of the Dead celebration. Reuters
A portrait and clothes of a family member who died recently during the annual Day of the Dead celebration. Reuters
An indigenous woman makes a smoke offering in memory of her relatives. EPA
An indigenous woman makes a smoke offering in memory of her relatives. EPA
Hundreds of people honour their dead relatives at the Xilotepec Pantheon, in Mexico City. EPA
Hundreds of people honour their dead relatives at the Xilotepec Pantheon, in Mexico City. EPA

Lifestyle

Family

Day of the Dead 2022: what is it and why do we celebrate it?

Dia de Muertos is celebrated around the world annually on November 1 and 2

Janice Rodrigues
Janice Rodrigues

November 02, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Towards the end of October, a barrage of dancing skeleton cartoons and sugar skulls make their way onto our social media feeds and screens. And while it’s easy to assume this is because of Halloween, it’s actually another annual festival that we have to thank.

Day of the Dead, or Dia de Muertos in Spanish, is a holiday that originated thousands of years ago in Mexico. Even though it’s often thought of as interchangeable with Halloween, the two are different holidays, with unique roots and traditions.

Scroll through the gallery above to see how people are celebrating Day of the Dead this year

Disney Pixar’s 'Coco' has been credited with helping popularise the Day of the Dead. Photo: Disney Pixar
Disney Pixar’s 'Coco' has been credited with helping popularise the Day of the Dead. Photo: Disney Pixar

To begin with, they’re celebrated on different days; while Halloween falls on October 31, Day of the Dead is annually observed on November 1 and 2. On these days, it is believed that the gate between the spirit world and real world dissolves, and families welcome the souls of deceased relatives with food, drink and celebrations.

Although the main festivities are held on November 2, November 1 is known as All Saints' Day, when the spirits of children or the innocent can join their families for 24 hours.

What is Day of the Dead?

The origins of the Day of the Dead can be traced back to the Aztecs, who had a unique way of honouring the deceased. According to this belief, once a person died, they had to undergo a gruelling and time-consuming journey to reach Mictlan, the final resting place.

Families would provide water, food and other tools that they believed could aid the deceased, which led to the modern Day of the Dead tradition of creating ofrendas, or special altars, with the deceased’s favourite food and drinks as well as photos and memorabilia. The intent is the same: to encourage the souls on their journey and pay tribute to them.

While the festival was previously believed to be celebrated during summer, with the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century and the rise of the Roman Catholic Church, it was moved to the first two days of November.

Day of the Dead, or Dia de Muertos, is celebrated with colourful altars, or ofrendas. AP Photo
Day of the Dead, or Dia de Muertos, is celebrated with colourful altars, or ofrendas. AP Photo

Today, versions of the Day of the Dead are celebrated in a few other Catholic countries around the world.

In the Philippines, All Saints' Day or Undas, is observed on November 1, with families honouring deceased relatives by gathering at their graves and offering food, flowers, candles and prayers. In Brazil, Dia de Finados is a day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of those who have died.

Despite its rather sombre-sounding backstory, Day of the Dead isn’t seen as a solemn occasion in Mexico. In fact, one of the biggest differences between it and Halloween is the manner in which it is celebrated: while Halloween regards spirits as things that need to be avoided, Day of the Dead celebrates the spirits of the deceased, with families welcoming the departed back the land of the living.

Read more

Elon Musk shows up at Heidi Klum's wormy New York Halloween party

It’s why the day is filled with colourful decorations, street parties, music, dances and puppets. In some parts of the country, families open their doors to anyone interested in viewing the ofrendas.

Sugar skulls are made — both edible and non-edible versions — to be used as decorations, to be placed on ofrendas or to be eaten. Food plays an important role in the festival, too, with pan de muerto, a type of sweet bread, and atole, a hot beverage with masa, cinnamon and brown sugar, being popular treats.

Flowers play an important role as well, with marigolds being the flower of choice for Day of the Dead. There are many possible explanations behind their use, from them being in season to their bright hue to their scent helping attract and guide visiting souls.

Perhaps nothing is as symbolic of the pomp and humour with which it is celebrated as La Calavera Catrina, loosely translating to “elegant skull”. Originally a cartoon created by Jose Guadalupe Posada in the 1940s, it’s what gave rise to the popular sugar skull make-up, sweets and paintings that are symbolic of the festival today.

Scroll through the gallery below to see photos of Day of the Dead celebrations last year

People participate in the main avenues in a parade to commemorate Day of the Dead in Mexico City. EPA
People participate in the main avenues in a parade to commemorate Day of the Dead in Mexico City. EPA
Day of the Dead, or Dia de Los Muertos in Spanish, is a holiday that originated thousands of years ago in Mexico. EPA
Day of the Dead, or Dia de Los Muertos in Spanish, is a holiday that originated thousands of years ago in Mexico. EPA
Even though it is often thought of as interchangeable with Halloween, the two are different holidays, with unique roots and traditions. EPA
Even though it is often thought of as interchangeable with Halloween, the two are different holidays, with unique roots and traditions. EPA
Day of the Dead is annually observed on November 1 and 2. EPA
Day of the Dead is annually observed on November 1 and 2. EPA
On these days, it is believed that the gate between the spirit world and real world dissolves. EPA
On these days, it is believed that the gate between the spirit world and real world dissolves. EPA
Families welcome the souls of deceased relatives on these days with food, drink and celebrations. EPA
Families welcome the souls of deceased relatives on these days with food, drink and celebrations. EPA
Despite its rather sombre-sounding backstory, Day of the Dead isn’t seen as a solemn occasion in Mexico. EPA
Despite its rather sombre-sounding backstory, Day of the Dead isn’t seen as a solemn occasion in Mexico. EPA
The day is filled with colourful decorations, street parties, music, dances and puppets. EPA
The day is filled with colourful decorations, street parties, music, dances and puppets. EPA
While Halloween regards spirits as things that need to be avoided, Day of the Dead embraces the souls of the dead, welcoming them. EPA
While Halloween regards spirits as things that need to be avoided, Day of the Dead embraces the souls of the dead, welcoming them. EPA
A Catrina figure is pushed by revellers during the annual Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. Reuters
A Catrina figure is pushed by revellers during the annual Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. Reuters
A participant performs as a taquero during the annual Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. Reuters
A participant performs as a taquero during the annual Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. Reuters
A man with a skull face painting attends the annual Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. Reuters
A man with a skull face painting attends the annual Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. Reuters
Participants dressed in costume during the Day of The Dead parade in Mexico City. Bloomberg
Participants dressed in costume during the Day of The Dead parade in Mexico City. Bloomberg
Participants dressed as hummingbirds perform during the annual Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. Reuters
Participants dressed as hummingbirds perform during the annual Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. Reuters
Participants wearing skull masks perform during the annual Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. Reuters
Participants wearing skull masks perform during the annual Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City. Reuters
People participate in the main avenues in a parade to commemorate the Day of the Dead in Mexico City. EPA
People participate in the main avenues in a parade to commemorate the Day of the Dead in Mexico City. EPA
Families honour deceased relatives by gathering at their graves, and offering food, flowers, candles and prayers. EPA
Families honour deceased relatives by gathering at their graves, and offering food, flowers, candles and prayers. EPA
A parade to commemorate the Day of the Dead was held in Mexico City. EPA
A parade to commemorate the Day of the Dead was held in Mexico City. EPA
People attend the Day of the Dead parade at Zocalo Square in Mexico City. AFP
People attend the Day of the Dead parade at Zocalo Square in Mexico City. AFP
A woman with a Catrina mask attends the Day of the Dead parade at Zocalo Square in Mexico City. AFP
A woman with a Catrina mask attends the Day of the Dead parade at Zocalo Square in Mexico City. AFP
People on stilts take part in the Day of the Dead parade at Zocalo Square in Mexico City. AFP
People on stilts take part in the Day of the Dead parade at Zocalo Square in Mexico City. AFP
A portrait of late Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona is displayed next to an altar at the entrance to the Mexican embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during the Day of the Dead celebrations. AP Photo
A portrait of late Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona is displayed next to an altar at the entrance to the Mexican embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during the Day of the Dead celebrations. AP Photo

— This article was originally published on November 2, 2021

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MORE ON AFGHANISTAN
War on waste
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Pension support
  • Mental well-being assistance
  • Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
  • Financial well-being incentives 
MATCH INFO

Mumbai Indians 186-6 (20 ovs)
Kings XI Punjab 183-5 (20 ovs)

Mumbai Indians won by three runs

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
More on animal trafficking
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Saudi National Day
World Mental Health Day
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

RACECARD
%3Cp%3E5pm%3A%20Al%20Shamkha%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(Turf)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E5.30pm%3A%20Khalifa%20City%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E6pm%3A%20Masdar%20City%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3E6.30pm%3A%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E7pm%3A%20Emirates%20Championship%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(PA)%20Dh1%2C000%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E7.30pm%3A%20Shakbout%20City%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%202%2C400m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tomorrow 2021
While you're here
Is it worth it? We put cheesecake frap to the test.

The verdict from the nutritionists is damning. But does a cheesecake frappuccino taste good enough to merit the indulgence?

My advice is to only go there if you have unusually sweet tooth. I like my puddings, but this was a bit much even for me. The first hit is a winner, but it's downhill, slowly, from there. Each sip is a little less satisfying than the last, and maybe it was just all that sugar, but it isn't long before the rush is replaced by a creeping remorse. And half of the thing is still left.

The caramel version is far superior to the blueberry, too. If someone put a full caramel cheesecake through a liquidiser and scooped out the contents, it would probably taste something like this. Blueberry, on the other hand, has more of an artificial taste. It's like someone has tried to invent this drink in a lab, and while early results were promising, they're still in the testing phase. It isn't terrible, but something isn't quite right either.

So if you want an experience, go for a small, and opt for the caramel. But if you want a cheesecake, it's probably more satisfying, and not quite as unhealthy, to just order the real thing.

 

 

More from Neighbourhood Watch
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450

Price, base / as tested Dh525,000 / Dh559,000

Engine: 3.0L V6 biturbo

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic

Power: 369hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 500Nm at 1,800rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 8.0L / 100km

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

More from this package
The specs

Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric

Transmission: n/a

Power: 402bhp

Torque: 659Nm

Price estimate: Dh200,000

On sale: Q3 2022 

More from this package
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
Our commentary on Brexit
The biog

Name: Salvador Toriano Jr

Age: 59

From: Laguna, The Philippines

Favourite dish: Seabass or Fish and Chips

Hobbies: When he’s not in the restaurant, he still likes to cook, along with walking and meeting up with friends.

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
While you're here
Match info

What: Fifa Club World Cup play-off
Who: Al Ain v Team Wellington
Where: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
When: Wednesday, kick off 7.30pm

Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

More on this story
UAE currency
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
E-cigarette report
Plastic tipping points
While you're here
WE%20NO%20LONGER%20PREFER%20MOUNTAINS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Inas%20Halabi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENijmeh%20Hamdan%2C%20Kamal%20Kayouf%2C%20Sheikh%20Najib%20Alou%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Zayed Sustainability Prize
While you're here
The Indo-Pacific
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Main report
War on waste
The specs

Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder

Power: 220 and 280 horsepower

Torque: 350 and 360Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT 

On sale: now

More from this package
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

World Mental Health Day
E-cigarettes report
More from this story
Our commentary on Brexit
Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule

 

  • 1st Test India won by 304 runs at Galle
  • 2nd Test Thursday-Monday at Colombo
  • 3rd Test August 12-16 at Pallekele
ABU%20DHABI'S%20KEY%20TOURISM%20GOALS%3A%20BY%20THE%20NUMBERS
%3Cp%3EBy%202030%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%20aims%20to%20achieve%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%2039.3%20million%20visitors%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20nearly%2064%25%20up%20from%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%20Dh90%20billion%20contribution%20to%20GDP%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20about%2084%25%20more%20than%20Dh49%20billion%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%20178%2C000%20new%20jobs%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20bringing%20the%20total%20to%20about%20366%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%2052%2C000%20hotel%20rooms%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20up%2053%25%20from%2034%2C000%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%207.2%20million%20international%20visitors%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20almost%2090%25%20higher%20compared%20to%202023's%203.8%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%203.9%20international%20overnight%20hotel%20stays%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2022%25%20more%20from%203.2%20nights%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

War and the virus
Towering concerns
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Updated: November 04, 2022, 4:17 AM`
MexicoFestivals

Easter guide: History, eggs and why the dates change each year

Diwali 2024: Why the festival of lights is such a major celebration

Five of the most expensive Indian weddings of all time

Lunar New Year explained: Countries, traditions and animals

Cartoon for June 7, 2025

Rain expected for UAE Eid Al Adha staycations

Dubai's Salik announces road toll rates for Eid Al Adha

Middle East Today: Israeli strikes on Beirut

Donald Trump 'disappointed' in Elon Musk as rift between former allies grows

Donald Trump 'disappointed' in Elon Musk as rift between former allies grows

Israeli air strikes hit Beirut in latest breach of ceasefire

Israeli air strikes hit Beirut in latest breach of ceasefire

Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat to offer Hajj prayers

Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat to offer Hajj prayers

UAE President performs Eid Al Adha prayers in Abu Dhabi

UAE President performs Eid Al Adha prayers in Abu Dhabi