Even though some people think that “Día de Muertos” is just the Mexican way to celebrate Halloween, it is so much more than that. 

For Mexicans “Día de Muertos” is a very important part of our culture and one of the traditions that we hold closely in our hearts. “Día de Muertos” – in comparison to Halloween – is a day of celebration and remembrance of our loved ones that have passed away. When people decorate their houses it is a way to guide their loved one spirits back to their family.

While other countries celebrate Halloween decorating their houses with scary and creepy, Mexicans fill their houses with color, food, and memories. Inside and out our houses are covered with “calaveras,” “papel picado,” “cempasúchil” flowers, pictures, candles, and most importantly the day of the dead offering. 

The altar is the center of attention within all the decorations because of the vibrancy and variety of elements included in it. Every house has their own way of decorating, but in my family we like to include pictures or elements that symbolized what our loved one enjoyed in their life. 

Many people became familiar with this holiday through the Disney movie “Coco,” but some believe the representation of the holiday is exaggerated in the film. But it is the complete opposite, celebrations all around the country are equal or even more extravagant to the ones in the movie. All around cities there are huge parades with hundreds of people dressed up as “calaveras and catrinas” different “alebrijes,” “mariachis,” handmade — kids singing and dancing and countless other things. This is because the purpose of this amazing holiday is not to mourn or be sad about the dead, but to celebrate their life and the family and friends they left behind. 

There are many things that separate the two holidays celebrated throughout the countries but the main reason I think is the significance of it. Because while Halloween is designed to scare people, “Día de los Muertos” fills people with love, happiness, and beautiful memories.