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The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico's most iconic celebrations, a tradition that combines pre-Hispanic beliefs and elements inherited from the colonial era to remember and honor those who have passed on. Although the most well-known dates are November 1 and 2, in many regions of the country, commemorations begin in the last days of October with the setting up of altars and offerings.
Within this tradition, there is a special calendar that assigns a day to different types of the deceased. October 28 has a particular significance, as it is dedicated to the souls of those who died suddenly or tragically, which is why many families prepare a special offering that day to welcome them.
What is celebrated on October 28 during the Day of the Dead?
According to various Mexican popular traditions, October 28 is the date when the souls of people who died in accidents, acts of violence, or unexpected circumstances return to the world of the living.
It is believed that on this day, those who could not complete their life journey naturally return and symbolically reunite with their loved ones to receive the offerings prepared in their honor.
Because of this, many families use this date to light candles, place photographs, and especially remember those who died suddenly.
Calendar of the arrival of souls during the Day of the Dead
According to the traditions preserved in different regions of Mexico, the calendar unfolds as follows:
October 28: The souls of those who died in accidents, tragedies, or violent situations arrive.
October 29: Dedicated to remembering people who died by drowning.
October 30: Honoring forgotten souls or those who have no family members to remember them.
October 31: The souls of children who were not born or who died without having been baptized arrive.
November 1: Known as All Saints' Day, it is dedicated to deceased children.
November 2: It is the Day of the Faithful Departed, a date intended to remember adults who have passed on.
What is placed on the altar for the souls that arrive on October 28?
Tradition dictates that offerings should include essential elements that help guide and receive the deceased during their visit to the earthly world. In addition to placing photographs of loved ones, it is common to include their favorite foods and drinks.
Among the most important elements of the altar are:
Candles and tapers: They represent the light that illuminates the souls' path and helps them find the home where they are expected.
Incense or copal: Its aroma is used to purify the environment and ward off negative energies.
Water: It is placed to quench the thirst of the deceased after their long journey.
Salt: It symbolizes purification and helps the spirit not to be corrupted during its stay.
Cempasúchil flower: Its characteristic orange color and aroma serve as a guide for souls to find their way to the altar.
Pan de muerto: It is one of the most representative symbols of the holiday and represents the cycle between life and death.
Fruits and food: It is customary to place the deceased person's favorite meals, sweets, or drinks.
Calaveritas: Traditionally made of sugar, chocolate, or amaranth, they remind us of the constant presence of death as part of life.
Papel picado: Represents the air, one of the four fundamental elements of nature present on the altars.
Photographs: These are the most personal and emotional element of the offering, as they identify the person being honored.
According to the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Day of the Dead has its origin in ancient Mesoamerican cultures, which paid tribute to their deceased after the harvests. With the arrival of the Spanish, these customs merged with Catholic celebrations, giving rise to the tradition we know today.
Therefore, each element of the offering has a special meaning and seeks to keep alive the memory of those who are no longer physically present but remain in the memories of their families.
If you have a relative or loved one who passed away in an accident or in tragic circumstances, you can dedicate a special space to them on your altar by placing their photograph, their favorite foods, cempasúchil flowers, and a lit candle in their memory.
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