SEATTLE, Washington. – On Friday, Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, communities come together to honor loved ones who have passed away. Deeply rooted in Mexican culture, Día de Muertos is a celebration of life and death that invites reflection on memories and traditions.

Now more than ever, sitting at the dinner table is more than just enjoying a meal or a cup of coffee; it’s about honoring grandparents, aunts, parents and siblings.

Black Arrows Coffee is located in Belltown and welcomes its visitors with colorful dishes papule picado, Traditional paper banners with intricate patterns depicting the wind. There is also the appeal of the warm citrus scent pan de muertoa typical bread of Día de Muertos.

“The orange peel is what I love most about pan de muerto, along with its fluffy texture,” said Nikole Zamudio. She and her husband Daniel are co-owners of the corner café, whose homemade Mexican mocha syrup is a nod to their heritage.

For Daniel and Nikole, Día de Muertos is more than a cultural event; It’s an opportunity to introduce customers to flavors that resonate with their roots.

“It’s part of remembering who that family member was and what they loved, and then you tell stories about it,” Daniel said. “It’s a good time to remember who our family was.”

Pan de muerto is an integral part of Día de Muertos. ofrendas And Altars – Offerings and altars honoring loved ones. These altars are filled with everything they once enjoyed Conchas and other Pan Dulce, to playing cards, favorite beers and valuable items from their lives.

Día de los Muertos is believed to be the only evening of the year when the spirits of our departed loved ones can visit the living. Altars usually have multiple levels, representing heaven, purgatory, and earth. Each level is decorated with photos and mementos of loved ones.

Meanwhile, Angelica Villaseñor, owner of D’La Santa on Capitol Hill, is honoring her seres queridosor your loved ones by cooking their favorite dishes. Angelica grew up in Guadalajara and remembers her father as her “first love,” a memory she honors with her restaurant.

“When he died, I now understand Día de los Muertos. “It’s so beautiful,” Angelica said. “Now I understand the meaning of the dead.”

This year she turned her “Tree of Life” into one ofrenda– an altar displaying traditional marigolds known as cempasuchilGuide spirits to visit the living.

“This tradition is one of the most important to me,” Angelica shared, emphasizing the scents and flavors of the holiday Sazonor spices bring back memories of family gatherings. “Food means family, tradition and love,” said Angelica.

Día de Muertos is believed to be a time when the spirits of loved ones can visit, even if just for a night. According to tradition, an altar without a photo prevents the deceased from reconnecting with the living.

La Catrina* has become an iconic figure in Día de Muertos, decorated with bright colors and flowers. It reminds us that death is not the end, but a natural and beautiful part of life.

Similar, Calaveras de Azucaror sugar skulls represent sweetness and the celebration of life, even in death. These colorful skulls are meant to be personalized with the names of family members to welcome their spirits back.

“As long as they live in your hearts, they are alive,” Angelica said.

“Recordar es vivir – remembering is living,” said Daniel.

You are encouraged to join in and honor your loved ones. D’La Santa invites you to remember them and bring a picture of all the treasured moments with our loved ones this holiday season during Día de Muertos.

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