The traditional holiday honors deceased relatives. In recent years, Día de los Muertos has also become a popular theme in mainstream culture and has been recognized and celebrated in different forms in different parts of the world. However, the most authentic and deeply rooted celebrations still take place in Mexico.

Day of the Dead 2024 begins here.

Altars for the Day of the Dead: How to make the Dia de los Muertos ofrenda and what to put on it

When is Dia de los Muertos 2024?

Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd to honor different groups of loved ones.

November 1st is dedicated to honoring deceased children and is often referred to as Día de los Inocentes or Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Innocents or Day of the Little Angels). On this day, families build special ofrendas (altars), decorate gravesites and offer toys, sweets or other items that brought joy to the children in life.

November 2nd is known as Día de los Muertos or Día de los Difuntos (Day of the Dead or Deceased), and is a day to remember adult ancestors and friends. Families visit cemeteries, clean and decorate gravesites, and create elaborate ofrendas in their homes or at gravesites. They offer food, drinks, flowers and personal mementos to honor and welcome the spirits of the departed.