The Spaniards learned about Dia de Los Muertos when they arrived in central Mexico in the 16th century. They viewed the ritual, which was started by the Aztecs some 3,000 years ago.
When the Spaniards came to Mexico and introduced Catholicism to the indigenous people they blended traditions and beliefs to create their own customs.
Dia de Muertos came to be from a mixture of the Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess, Mictecacihuatl, with the Catholic influence. Mictecacihuatl is the “lady of the dead” and it is said that she watches over the bones of the dead and swallows the stars during the day.
The church rejected the Aztec’s beliefs and turned it into All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day making it on 2 days to fall into the catholic calendar.
Mexicans have since transformed it into a truly unique holiday that they honor every year.
How It’s Celebrated Today
Today’s customs regarding Day of the Dead festivities have evolved over the years to become the tradition it is now.
Flowers, altars, food, and music are all integral parts of the holiday.
Families will gather during the night at the cemeteries (panteons), light candles, and place flowers on the burial sites of their lost loved ones.
