An eternal bond: our Dia De Los Muertos tradition

All photos by Logan Ray

Dia De Los Muertos, translated in English to “Day of the Dead”, is a holiday focused on celebrating the beauty of death and loved ones who have passed away. Many people, (usually friends, family, and loved ones) honor those who passed away by placing a photo of them alongside their favorite meal or snack. I was taught by my mom to practice this, so on the day of celebration our family members that have passed on can join us for dinner in spirit as they eat their favorite meal. 

I will always enjoy setting up the ofrenda with family, as the food, photos, and memories of our past family members bleed with stories to share. Celebrating the holiday last year was hard on everyone in my family, as my Abuelo had passed away only two months before. At the time, I struggled to accept  his loss, but continuing to celebrate the holiday and placing his photo on the ofrenda helped me realize there are still memories to make with the people around me.

Every Dia De Los Muertos my parents cook Chiles Enogada, and serve it at a large dinner to celebrate. At the table my Abuelaita would tell stories of how our Abuelito would serenade her with music from mariachis, and numerous bands, but he couldn’t sing a note if he tried. We laugh, we listen to music, we dance. When it’s cold, we warm each other with our smiles knowing that our past loved ones are truly in a better place.

In this holiday, there will always be more to celebrate; untold stories, and other family members that will sadly eventually pass away. Dia De Los Muertos is not a holiday of grief. It is a holiday to enjoy the memories of those you still love. As more and more memories are braided into my family's hearts, our love for each other grows. A love to keep our memories strong, a love to cherish, a love that will stick with us forever.