The Day of the Dead

This week, we explore the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd when the gates of heaven are believed to open, allowing children’s spirits to return on the first day and adults’ spirits on the second day.

We discuss how the holiday originated from a combination of Mesoamerican rituals, European religion, and Spanish culture, including an ancient Aztec belief system where the dead had to overcome nine challenging levels to reach the city of the dead. Families create ofrendas (altars) with photos, favorite foods, personal items, and traditional elements like candles, salt, and bread to welcome back their deceased loved ones.

Then, we dive into several personal encounters, including stories of a woman hearing mysterious singing near her ofrenda, a man being walked home by his deceased father’s friend, and a widow’s husband experiencing a powerful connection with his late father through an ofrenda.