How Is the Day of the Dead Different From Halloween?

The Day of the Dead (or Día de los Muertos in Spanish) is a Mexican traditional holiday that honors ancestors, family members and friends who have passed away. Many people connect the Day of the Dead with the history of Halloween, but this holiday has distinct differences and traditions completely unique to the holiday. So, what is the Day of the Dead and how is it different than Halloween? We'll fill you in!

Related: What Exactly Are Ofrendas, and How Are They Related to Día de Los Muertos?

When Is the Day of the Dead?

The holiday takes place every November 1, in connection with the Catholic holiday of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 2), and also integrates some Aztec traditions. 

This year, the Day of the Dead takes place on Friday, November 1, 2024, and Saturday, November 2, 2024. Depending on where you are in the world, though, Día de los Muertos could have also fell on Oct. 31.

The two-day Day of the Dead festival falls closely to Halloween but is observed on a larger scale—Mexicans embrace it as a festive occasion, as does much of Latin America and parts of the U.S. 

Related: The Best Day of the Dead Cocktails

What Is the Day of the Dead?

Though both the Day of the Dead and Halloween have integrations with Catholicism, they are very different. 

Celebrations of Halloween come from the idea that the dead are to be feared; children wear costumes as protection and scary jack-o-lanterns are supposed to ward off evil spirits.

By contrast, during the Day of the Dead, the spirits of departed loved ones are welcomed into homes and cemeteries. Death is portrayed as something natural and not anything to fear.

Related: How To Celebrate Día de Los Muertos—Plus, the 9 Biggest Day of the Dead Celebrations in America

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Where Is the Day of the Dead Celebrated?

At home, people assemble little altars called ofrendas stocked with departed loved ones's favorite foods and drinks, their photos, candles and pungent marigolds—a flower long associated with death.

Related: ‘I Just Went to the Biggest Día de Los Muertos Celebration in America and This Is What Happened’

You need not be Mexican or Catholic to honor your dearly departed. The Day of the Dead is a beautiful celebration of life. This video shares the cultural significance and symbolism and will hopefully inspire you to celebrate.

Related: 8 Sugar Skulls to Celebrate the Day of the Dead

Create Your Own Day of the Dead Traditions

Create a tradition this Day of the Dead by making a home altar, preparing a passed loved one’s favorite food, and giving a toast of remembrance.

1. How to Celebrate Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Learn how to celebrate the memory of loved ones lost with a traditional celebration along with Day of the Dead recipes.

2. How to Create a Simple Day of the Dead Ofrenda: An altar, or ofrenda, does not have to be large and expensive. A small and simple altar is all you need.

Related: Halloween Trivia Questions and Answers

3. Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead): One of the more traditional dishes seen at Day of the Dead celebrations is Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead). This traditional round loaf of bread has strips of dough rolled out and attached on top to represent bones and skulls. This bread is eaten and left on gravesites or on altars as part of the festivities.

4. Día de Los Muertos – Chocolate Skull Cake: Introduce your children to the holiday by making a delicious cake together in the shape of a skull.

5. Five Mexican recipes for Day of the Dead: Make traditional Mexican Day of the Dead food for the occasion such as champurrado, tamales, mole, calabaza en tacha, and pan de muerto.

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Related: 15 Totally Cool and Surprising Day of the Dead Facts