Día de Muertos: the Mexican Day of the Dead explained

On 1 and 2 November Mexico remembers its dead, not sadly but in colour and life. UNESCO has recognised the Día de Muertos as intangible cultural heritage.

Ofrendas and marigolds

Families build altars, called ofrendas, with photos of the departed, candles and their favourite foods. Orange marigolds, “cempasúchil”, are said to guide the souls on their way.

Papel picado and sugar skulls

Colourful paper garlands, “papel picado”, decorate streets and houses. Typical are sugar skulls (calaveras) and the sweet “pan de muerto”, a bread baked for the festival.

Not a “Mexican Halloween”

Even though the dates are close, the Día de Muertos has its own, very old roots. It blends indigenous traditions with Catholic feasts and is above all a loving reunion with ancestors.

Day of the Dead at L'Antica

Around Day of the Dead, the design of our website puts on a festive look. At L'Antica Pizzeria Napoletana in Stuttgart you can enjoy Neapolitan pizza and fresh pasta. Want to drop by? Reserve a table or view the menu first.

More festivals & traditions: Mother's Day · Diwali, the festival of lights · Holi, the festival of colours · Oktoberfest and the Cannstatter Volksfest