Here's your guide to celebrating Día de los Muertos this weekend in the Huntsville area, as well as a little background information if you're unfamiliar with the holiday.

What is Dia de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated annually over two days from November 1st to 2nd. The colorful celebration honors the lives of deceased loved ones. The timing of the event coincides with the Catholic holidays of All Saints and All Souls, which have similar themes.

Unlike Halloween, which focuses on spooky themes, Día de los Muertos is a colorful celebration that appears joyful, but at the same time carries the deep meaning and emotions of honoring one's ancestors.

Traditions of Día de los Muertos

During Día de Muertos celebrations, you will see many common themes, motifs, and materials. Here are a few that have long been part of the tradition.

• Altars (Ofrendas): Living displays honoring deceased relatives, decorated with offerings such as favorite foods, photos and personal items.
• Skulls (calaveras): Colorful skulls in many shapes, from candy to papier-mâché to wood, often with the relative's name written on them.
• Marigolds: These bright flowers are believed to guide the spirits to the altars and symbolize the fragility of life.
• Copal incense: Made from tree resin from a native South American plant, this incense has long been used in spiritual settings to bring balance.
• Die-cut paper decorations (Papel Picado): Colorful decorations create a festive flair and, like marigolds, symbolize the delicacy of life.
• Candles: Illuminated symbolize hope and faith.
• Pan de Muerto: Sweet baked bread (Pan Dulce) with bone shapes symbolizing the circle of life. Look for the nearest Mexican Bakery (Panaderia) to find it! Tip: Nava's Bakery has locations in Huntsville and Decatur and offers delicious pan dulce.

Día de los Muertos trends

As more people learn about Día de Muertos and hold community celebrations, you will discover many features that have found their way into the tradition in modern times, such as:

• Alebrije: These mystical creatures have their origins in Mexican folk art and were popularized by the film “Coco.” Although they are not historically associated with the holiday, no one seems to mind that they make a colorful addition to the tradition.
• Face painting: Colorful and elaborate face painting, inspired by the traditional sugar skulls (calaveras), has become a popular modern way of celebrating.
• La Catrina: This skeletal female figure wearing a huge hat emerged from political satire at the turn of the 20th century. In 1947, muralist Diego Rivera revisited the original print and transformed it into a national symbol.
• Parades: Parades have been a recent thing for Día de Muertos since it was popularized in 2015 by the James Bond film “Spectre.” A year later, Mexico City held its first Day of the Dead parade.

Día de los Muertos celebration in Decatur

Decatur has hosted North Alabama's only large Día de Muertos community event since 2021, and the event has grown in offerings and popularity each year since. This year's event includes a community altar restaurant with special offerings, food truck art activities, a DJ, early evening live music, traditional vendors, cultural dancers and children's activities.

A new addition to 2024 will be a Quinceañera pageant on the steps of the Alabama Center for the Arts at 2 p.m. One in fifteen participants will be crowned the city's first Day of the Dead Queen. A detailed event schedule can be found at the info link below.

Día de los Muertos at Straight to Ale in Huntsville

A community ofenda, specialty drinks and a musical performance by GORRIO cap off the Día de los Muertos celebration this Saturday at Straight to Ale in Huntsville. People and pets are welcome on the altar.

Día de los Muertos at High Cotton Arts in Athens

Look for High Cotton Arts' beautifully painted windows right on Athens Square for a creative way to celebrate Día de los Muertos. The event features a community orenda in memory of loved ones, food vendors, live music, face painting, door prizes and more.

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