As the end of October approaches and autumn leaves fall in the northern hemisphere, many Latin American communities prepare for one of the most vibrant and heartfelt celebrations of the year: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). While it’s most famously associated with Mexico, Día de los Muertos holds meaning across Central America—including right here in Costa Rica.
In this post, we’ll explore how Día de los Muertos came to be, what it means, why it matters, how it’s celebrated in Costa Rica, and ways you can honor the tradition in the United States—no matter where you call home.
Remembering Abuelita on Día de los Muertos
Every year as November approached, my friend Lucia’s family would gather in their small Costa Rican home, the air fragrant with the scent of coffee and marigolds. On the kitchen table, they set up a simple altar: a photo of her abuelita—her grandmother—smiling in a flowery dress, a plate of her favorite sweet bread, and a steaming cup of café chorreado.
On Día de los Muertos, Lucia’s family would visit the cemetery, carefully cleaning her grandmother’s resting place, decorating it with fresh white lilies, and lighting a candle as the sun set behind the mountains. They’d share stories—how abuelita made the best tamales at Christmas, or how she laughed until she cried at old family jokes.
For Lucia, Día de los Muertos wasn’t about sadness. It was about feeling her grandmother close, as if she were sitting right there at the table, sharing in the warmth of family, food, and memory. “We don’t say goodbye,” Lucia’s mother would remind her. “We say, hasta luego—see you later.”
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What Is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos is a joyful and deeply meaningful holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring loved ones who have passed away. Rather than mourning, it’s a time to celebrate the lives and legacies of ancestors, keeping their memory alive through vibrant traditions, family gatherings, and heartfelt rituals.
Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, Día de los Muertos bridges the Catholic observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day with centuries-old indigenous customs. At its heart, it’s about connection: between the living and the dead, the past and the present, the seen and the unseen.
Origins: Where Does Día de los Muertos Come From?
The roots of Día de los Muertos go back thousands of years to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, where indigenous peoples such as the Aztecs, Maya, and others believed that death was part of a sacred, cyclical journey. They honored deceased ancestors with offerings and festivities, often in the late summer or fall.
When Spanish colonizers arrived in the 16th century, they brought Catholic rituals and the Christian calendar. Over time, indigenous and Catholic traditions blended to form the modern Día de los Muertos, celebrated throughout Mexico and much of Central America—including Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, the holiday is traditionally known as Día de los Difuntos (Day of the Deceased). While not as elaborate as in Mexico, it remains a significant spiritual and family event, particularly in rural communities and among families with deep-rooted Catholic and indigenous traditions.
Why Is Día de los Muertos Important?
Día de los Muertos is more than a holiday—it’s a philosophy. It teaches us that death is not an ending, but a transformation. The memories of our loved ones stay with us, shaping who we are and how we live.
Why it matters:
Celebration of Life: Rather than fearing death, families rejoice in the memories, stories, and personalities of those who came before.
Connection: It brings generations together, bridging the living and the departed, and reminding us of the unbroken circle of family and community.
Healing: Sharing stories, food, and laughter helps people process grief and find joy in remembrance.
How Is Día de los Muertos Celebrated?
Traditional Elements
The most iconic traditions of Día de los Muertos include:
Ofrendas (Altars): Families build beautiful altars at home or in cemeteries, adorned with photos, candles, marigold flowers (cempasúchil), sugar skulls, favorite foods, drinks, and personal mementos of the departed.
Cemetery Visits: Loved ones clean and decorate graves with flowers, candles, and sometimes music or picnics, turning cemeteries into places of celebration.
Food and Drink: Traditional foods—like pan de muerto (bread of the dead), tamales, fruits, coffee, and favorite dishes of loved ones—are shared.
Art and Music: Colorful skulls, skeletons, face paint, papel picado (decorative paper), and folk music create a festive, joyful atmosphere.
Storytelling: Families share memories and stories, keeping the legacies of ancestors alive for the next generation.
In Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, Día de los Muertos—or Día de los Difuntos—is generally more solemn and family-centered compared to the elaborate parades seen in Mexico. The focus is on:
Visiting Cemeteries: On November 2nd, families gather at cemeteries, clean and decorate graves with flowers (often white lilies and chrysanthemums), light candles, and pray together. Some families share a picnic or simply spend time in quiet remembrance.
Church Services: Special Masses are held, and names of departed loved ones are read aloud as a way to honor and pray for their souls.
Simple Altars: While not as ornate as Mexican ofrendas, many Costa Rican homes display photos, flowers, and candles to remember family members.
These traditions reinforce the deep respect Costa Ricans have for their ancestors and the value of family ties.
How Can We Celebrate Día de los Muertos in the United States?
Even if you’re far from Latin America, you can embrace the spirit of Día de los Muertos and make it part of your own family’s traditions. Here’s how:
Create an Ofrenda: Build a small altar with photos of loved ones, candles, flowers, and objects that remind you of them. Add their favorite foods, drinks, or small mementos.
Cook and Share: Prepare special dishes or bake pan de muerto. Invite friends or family to share a meal and tell stories about those you wish to honor.
Decorate: Use marigolds, paper flowers, or papel picado to decorate your home. Get creative with art projects—paint sugar skulls, make skeleton crafts, or try face painting.
Music and Memories: Play your loved ones’ favorite songs, or traditional Latin American music. Spend time sharing memories, stories, and laughter.
Community Events: Many cities across the U.S. now host Día de los Muertos festivals, art shows, and parades—join in to experience the holiday’s color and joy.
You don’t need to have Latin American heritage to appreciate or participate in this holiday. At its core, Día de los Muertos is about love, gratitude, and remembering what connects us all—family, history, and the stories that shape our lives.
The Costa Rican Perspective: A Tradition of Respect
For Costa Ricans, Día de los Difuntos is a chance to reaffirm what makes this country unique: a deep respect for family, history, and peaceful community life. Just as Costa Rica is celebrated for its “Pura Vida” lifestyle, this holiday reminds us to cherish every moment, honor those who came before, and build lives rooted in gratitude and joy.
Final Thoughts: A Celebration for Everyone
Whether you’re living in Costa Rica, visiting for the first time, or making a home elsewhere, Día de los Muertos is a beautiful way to remember that love endures, memories matter, and every life leaves a legacy.
From all of us at [Your Company Name], we wish you a meaningful Día de los Muertos—may your memories be joyful and your celebrations filled with color, music, and love.
P.S. Interested in learning more about Costa Rican culture and traditions, or making Costa Rica your new home? Reach out any time—we’re always happy to share the magic of this extraordinary country.
