Once upon a time there was Diego, a little boy who lived in a Mexican village. It was fall and Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, was approaching. Together with his family, Diego prepared for the big celebration. The whole village was decorated with colorful paper garlands, there were fresh flowers in the houses and delicious snacks in the market squares. While Diego enjoyed a churro, he asked his mother "Why do we celebrate Día de los Muertos?"
She took him aside with a smile. "Día de los Muertos is a special day on which we celebrate our beloved deceased. However, it is not a sad day, but a happy celebration. We believe that on this day, our ancestors return to visit us."
Diego looked at her with wide eyes. "You're really coming back?"
"That's what tradition says," his mother continued. "We build ofrendas, or altars, and place photos, candles and the deceased's favorite food on them so that they feel welcome here. We also put cempasúchil flowers on them so that they can find their way to us.
Over the next few days, Diego helped diligently as the family set up the altar. It was for his grandfather, who had passed away a few years earlier. Photos of him were placed on the altar and a sweet bread, pan de muerto, baked especially for him was placed next to the pictures. Chocolate and his grandfather's favorite food were placed on his altar. All that was missing was a small calavera, a skull made of sugar.
That made Diego a little suspicious. "Why is there a skull on the altar?"
"You know, the calaveras are simply a reminder that death is part of life. But you don't have to be afraid of death," she continued. "We here in Mexico are cheerful and even laugh about death. We know that the deceased are always with us, even if they no longer live here."
It was evening by the time the altar was ready. The family then went to the cemetery together. It was full of lights and flowers. People stood at the graves, celebrating their deceased loved ones. It wasn't a silent commemoration, no, stories from the past were told and songs were sung. Diego listened carefully and although he never got to know his grandfather, he felt like he was very close to him.
The Día de los Muertos taught the little boy that the memory of the deceased always remains alive - in the hearts of those who love them.
Photo credit: Ingrid Müller
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