It is believed that the Aztecs worshipped a goddess of death that they alleged protected their departed loved ones, helping them into the next stages, La Catrina.

The ofrenda is often the most recognized symbol of Día de Los Muertos. This temporary altar is a way for families to honor their loved ones and provide them what they need on their journey.

It is not seen as a day of sadness but as a day of celebration because of their loved ones awake and celebrates them!

Monarch butterflies play a role in Día de los Muertos because they are believed to hold the spirits of the departed. This belief stems from the fact that the first monarchs arrive in Mexico for the winter each fall on Nov. 1, which coincides with Día de Los Muertos.

UNESCO declared the indigenous festivity to the dead as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. -Source: Unesco.org

Día de Los Muertos used to be a summertime event until the Spanish colonized Mexico and was then moved to October 31st-November 1st to associate it with Catholic commemoration of All Hallow’s Eve.