Honoring our Ancestors

Nowadays, the Day of the Dead celebration is a magnificent display of Mexico’s cultural and ethnic richness. We transmit its great value and importance to our students at the SEK Guadalajara International School. 

The path from life to death can be terrifying for some. That’s why some civilizations have developed rites and customs that turn this path into preparation for when the time comes when we take this road.

As part of our Prehispanic worldview, dying began a long path to the Mictlan, the Kingdom of the Dead.

The Day of the Dead celebration welcomes our beloved ones who have passed away. It’s celebrated every November 1st and 2nd, the same day as the Catholic celebrations of Faithful Deceased and All Saints Day.

The Prehispanic tradition started when people noticed that, as a result of two other essential holidays, the “Month of the Souls” and the “Month of the abundant harvest,” some food was left out. Hence, they used those leftovers to prepare food for their beloved deceased ones. Using that food, they created offerings that would be put on the altar to express love and gratitude for coming back.

The Day of the Dead celebration has become a representative Mexican festivity, having a commemoration with colorful offerings and altars that are unique worldwide.

Mayela de León Fernández

Admissions Director and Public Relations