Día de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that is celebrated from October 31-November 2 each year. While Día de los Muertos shares some traditions with Halloween, like dressing up and parades, it is not the same thing. This holiday is an opportunity for people to honor and remember their loved ones who have passed on. It is believed that during the first days of November, the border between the physical and spirit worlds dissolve and souls can move freely back and forth.
A common tradition of Día de los Muertos is to set up "ofrendas" near graves or in homes featuring favorite foods and items of a deceased loved one or other offerings for them. Personally, I love this scene from the movie Coco showing the ofrenda they created for their family:
Coco explains the Día de los Muertos (Mexican Day of the Dead)
The Washington Post recently featured stories about people creating ofrendas for their pets who had passed on. They include their pet's favorite treats and toys as a way to honor and remember them. This is a beautiful reminder of the significant role that pets play in so many people's lives!
Can you think of any other cultural traditions that honor pets?
References:
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) - Origins, Celebrations
People honor pets on Day of the Dead with ofrendas - The Washington Post
------------------------------
Kaitlyn Davis
Research Associate
UTK Program for Pet Health Equity
TN
------------------------------