a thread on dia de los muertos and what it is for non mexicans

dia de los muertos directly translates to day of the dead in english, however the celebration takes place in a span of 2 days, the first being the spirit of the children, and the second being the spirit of the adults, and then later in the 2nd day the spirit of the dead.

normally it's celebrated by mexican catholics. it is usually at the end of october/beginning of november but it is NOT mexican halloween. dia de los muertos normally begins on all saints day and ends on all souls day, in the beginning of november. again, NOT mexican halloween.

the significance of the skull makeup is to represent a loved one who is no longer with us. it is NOT supposed to be fear inducing and it is NOT supposed to be a costume or a quirky makeup look.

during these days, entire places are decorated with marigolds because these are believed to be the path that guides spirits to their ofrendas. they're not just a pretty flower that matches well with the colors or something.

there are also these things called ofrendas, or alters, that are created and dedicated to late loved ones. normally you put stuff that they liked on their ofrenda, because it's supposed to be for them to enjoy in the celebration in spirit. you can see its decorated with marigolds

the whole point of dia de los muertos is to CELEBRATE and remember the good times and memories of our family and ancestors. it's not a pretty aesthetic for u to use as a costume or for a kpop group to use as a scary concept. it has cultural meaning and significance to some people

if anyone has anything else to add please do. im kinda tired of mexican culture just being seen as a joke

adding this that a lot of mexican culture stems from indigenous culture INCLUDING dia de los muertos and it’s a very sacred holiday ty to @fishubanana & @gothasahi

also! you don’t have to be mexican to celebrate. many other spanish speaking countries also celebrate but it does come from mexican culture.