In remembrance, Día de los Muertos in the District

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday that honors the cyclical nature of life by paying homage to the dead. While some might consider it a holiday solely celebrated in Mexico or by communities of Mexican descent, iterations of the tradition can be found throughout Latin America.

Commemorated on Nov. 1 and 2, the annual gathering has its origins in Mesoamerican traditions. During these days, the spirits of the dead are believed to return home. They are welcomed with altars created by loved ones. These altars are typically decorated with marigolds, candles, papel picado (perforated paper) and other sentimental items, such as photos of the deceased. They are also frequently embellished with ofrendas, offerings that include food and beverages.

While the use of the calavera (skull) dates back centuries to pre-Columbian indigenous cultures, it’s one of the holiday’s most recognizable symbols, popularized more than a century ago by Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852-1903), with his illustration “La Calavera Catrina” being his most famous. Posada’s creations intended to critique Mexican society at a time when there were stark class inequalities and idealization of the European bourgeois over Mexican identity. By utilizing satirical images, Posada sought to convey the specter of death often facing the abject poor and the country’s underlining class divisions while also pointing out that we all share the same fate: death and becoming a skeleton. 

Día de los Muertos continues this social justice theme in the United States, bringing the Latine community together in commemoration of their identity since the 1890s. Despite the marginalization and racialization of Latinidad in the U.S., Latin American migrants brought their cultures and religious beliefs with them. Modern celebrations of Día de los Muertos bring community expression through a blend of cultures and voices, incorporating tradition while also bringing attention to current issues faced by the Latine community. On these special days, altars can be found in different locations, from more intimate settings, like individual homes, to larger institutions, such as museums and community centers. 

If you are looking for a way to learn more and participate in the beautiful celebration, take a look at these events in the Washington, D.C. area!

Nov. 1 – Día de los Muertos Block Party

Visit Bryant St Market for its second annual Día de los Muertos Block Party on Nov. 1 from 5-11 p.m. Face painting, altar displays, music, art and Mexican cuisine will be available.

Nov. 2 – DC’s Catrinas Parade

Hosted by Mujeres Mexicanas para la Difusión, Enriquecimiento y Preservación de Nuestra Cultura y Tradiciones en el DMV, DC’s Catrinas Parade invites community members to dress as Catrinas and walk through the National Mall. Those participating will meet at the Lincoln Memorial at 11 a.m. and will start to walk through the mall at 12 p.m. The event will end at 3:30 p.m. The parade is a great opportunity to view and participate in the cultural and artistic significance of Día de los Muertos.

Want more? You can check out more of Posada’s work in the Library of Congress’ extensive collection, which showcases the Mexican printmaker’s artistry.

– Story by SPEL’s Arts and Humanities story team members Chioma Ukaobasi, Olivia Olson, Tricia De Souza and Grace Whitsell

– Copy edited by Michelle Benitez