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Celebrate the Day of the Dead with these 15 celebration and memorial scenes

Photos selected by Quentin Nardi

Text by Tracy Scott Forson

The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, a mix of ritual and religion, is a two-day event celebrated from midnight on October 31 to November 2, when Mexican families welcome the souls of their deceased relatives in a celebratory reunion hotness of life. Its roots go back about 3,000 years to the ancient peoples who lived in what is now Mexico. In Mexican culture it is said that you die twice: once when you physically die and again when your name is spoken for the last time.

This Day of the Dead shrine contains photos of loved ones, skulls, flowers, candles, corn husks, fruit and drink bottles.

Byron Hlina, North Carolina, 2018

Offspring feel closer to their loved ones

Visiting cemeteries where their deceased relatives are buried helps descendants feel closer to their loved ones on the Day of the Dead.

Michael Anglin, Texas, 2013

Ofrenda

A day of the dead ofrenda (or “offering”) can be displayed on a flat surface or in layers. The items included can represent different ways to remember loved ones. Skull pastries, for example, symbolize death and the sweetness of life.

Savannah Van Nice, Mexico, 2023

Man

It is believed that on the Day of the Dead the realm of the spirit world can pass over to repopulate this world.

Greg Davis, Mexico, 2019

parade

The Day of the Dead dates back to the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mesoamerica and is a combination of Aztec and Spanish traditions.

Viet Van Tran, Mexico, 2022

Colorful clothing items

Painted faces and colorful clothing are Day of the Dead traditions.

Eric Newnam, California, 2022

Combination vacation

The Day of the Dead is believed to be a combination of an Aztec festival of the dead and All Saints Day, which was recognized by the Spanish Catholics who colonized the Americas.

Austin Beahm, California, 2013

Family visits cemetery

On the occasion of the Day of the Dead, family members visit deceased loved ones in a cemetery.

Jesus Corona, Mexico, 2023

Night celebrations

Although it is called “Day of the Dead,” celebrations can last into the night.

Michael Palma, Mexico, 2012

It's not a scene from a horror movie

It's not a scene from a horror movie. Ceramic figurines of skeletons representing the Day of the Dead are sold at a market in Cabo San Lucas.

Michael Boyce, Mexico, 2015

2 day celebrations

During the two-day celebration, family members often clean the graves of their deceased loved ones, decorating the sites with marigolds and candles and often placing ofrendas nearby.

Michael Palma, Mexico, 2013

Performers prepare for a parade

Artists prepare for a parade during Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca.

Michael Palma, Mexico, 2013

Honoring deceased relatives

Honoring deceased relatives is not just reserved for the Day of the Dead. Here, a performer wearing an elaborate headdress and skeletal body paint continues the March commemoration tradition.

Rodrigo Lodi, Mexico, 2019

A woman paints her face

To celebrate the Day of the Dead, a woman paints her face, half of which resembles a skull.

Dan Gindling, California, 2014

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