Cultural Connections

 Estimated to be 3000 years old and deeply rooted in Aztec and other Mesoamerican traditions in Mexico, Day of the Dead rituals were meant to honor death as a natural part of the cycle of life. The Aztecs gave offerings to their deceased ancestors, made altars, and burned incense in a month-long celebration. When the Spaniards arrived in Latin America, they appropriated the summer holiday and moved it to coincide with Catholic All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day’ at the beginning of November, thus assimilating the Day of the Dead into a new Mexican culture blended from indigenous and European traditions. 

- Traditions and Change: The Transformation of Día de los Muertos in the United States | Smithsonian American Art Museum