While some cultures might seem to tip toe around the subject of life and death, others fully embrace and celebrate it. Mexico’s Day of the Dead is a perfect example! In fact, according to this awesome Day of the Dead website: “Day of the Dead is a rare holiday for celebrating death and life. It is unlike any holiday where mourning is exchanged for celebration.” And celebrate, they do! Incredible parades, festivals, music and food. And the artworks are absolutely stunning!

The concept might be a bit of a head scratcher for some, because family and friends are essentially having a two-day party with their deceased loved ones. It’s really pretty cool! At its core is a fundamental belief that National Geographic describes this way: “Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) recognizes death as a natural part of the human experience, a continuum with birth, childhood, and growing up….”

So in Mexico, death doesn’t sneak up on folks the way it can in other parts of the world. They see it coming, because it’s not a concept that’s separate from life itself. And those who have passed are celebrated and honored in a unique and beautiful way. If you’ve seen Coco, you know how super cool and fun the Disney/Pixar take is! If you haven’t seen it, check out this trailer!

For a deeper dive into the history and traditions of  Day of the Dead, check out dayofthedead.holiday. It’s a gorgeous website and it’s jam packed with solid info.

Have you ever been to a Day of the Dead celebration? Are you completely obsessed with sugar skulls (like me)? If so, do share in the comments section below.