Celebrate the Day of the Dead with these 15 scenes of celebration and remembrance

On By Littum

Photographs selected by Quentin Nardi

Text by Tracy Scott Forson

A mixture of ritual and religion, Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos is a two-day event celebrated from midnight on October 31 to November 2, where Mexican families welcome the souls of their deceased relatives back to a festive reunion of life. Its roots date back some 3,000 years to the ancient peoples living in present-day Mexico. In Mexican culture it is said that you die twice: once when you physically pass away and again when you say your name for the last time.

This day for the shrine of the dead

This Day of the Dead shrine incorporates images of loved ones, skulls, flowers, candles, corn husks, fruit and beverage bottles.

Byron Hlina, North Carolina, 2018

descendants feel closer to their loved ones

Visiting cemeteries where their deceased relatives are buried helps descendants feel closer to their loved ones on the Day of the Dead.

Michael Anglin, Texas, 2013

Ofrenda

A day for the dead ofrenda (or “offers”) may be displayed on a flat surface or in tiers. The accompanying objects can represent different ways of remembering loved ones. For example, skull cakes symbolize death and the sweetness of life.

Savannah Van Nice, Mexico, 2023

Man

It is believed that on the Day of the Dead, the realm of the spirit world can cross over to rebuild this world.

Greg Davis, Mexico, 2019

Parade

Day of the Dead can be traced back to the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mesoamerica and is a combination of Aztec and Spanish traditions.

Viet Van Tran, Mexico, 2022

Colorful clothes

Painted faces and colorful clothing are Day of the Dead traditions.

Eric Newnam, California, 2022

Combination holiday

Day of the Dead is believed to be a combination of an Aztec celebration of the dead and All Saints’ Day recognized by Spanish Catholics who colonized the Americas.

Austin Beahm, California, 2013

The family visits the cemetery

Family members visit deceased loved ones at a cemetery in recognition of the Day of the Dead.

Jesus Corona, Mexico, 2023

Night parties

Although it’s called Day of the Dead, the festivities can continue overnight.

Michael Palma, Mexico, 2012

It's not a scene from a horror movie

It’s not a scene from a horror movie. A market in Cabo San Lucas sells ceramic figurines of skeletons representing the Day of the Dead.

Michael Boyce, Mexico, 2015

2-day festivities

During the two-day festivities, family members often clean the graves of their deceased loved ones, decorate the sites with marigolds and candles, and often place ofrendas nearby.

Michael Palma, Mexico, 2013

Cast prepares for a parade

Performers prepare for a parade during the Day of the Dead festivities in Oaxaca.

Michael Palma, Mexico, 2013

To honor deceased loved ones

Honoring deceased loved ones isn’t just something reserved for the Day of the Dead. Here, a performer in an elaborate headdress and skeleton body paint carries on the commemorative tradition in March.

Rodrigo Lodi, Mexico, 2019

A woman paints her face

A woman paints her face, half of it resembling a skull, to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

Dan Gindling, California, 2014

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