Day of the Dead - 2026

It started with Indigenous rites, and was later influenced by Catholic rituals. The most known Día de Muertos celebratory dates are Nov. 1 and Nov 2. But remembering lost pets is also gaining visibility and is observed on Oct. 27. Then Oct. 28 is designated for souls who suffered an accident, a tragedy or a violent death; Oct. 30 and 31 are dedicated to children who died and were not baptized; Nov. 1 is for the deaths of young children, and also known as All Saints Day; and Nov. 2 is All Souls Day for all adults.

Many ofrendas include traditional elements and there are different beliefs about what they represent. Popular elements that go on altars include photos; skulls; papel picado or decorated tissue; pan de muerto or bread of the dead; candles; incense and marigold flowers, also called cempasúchil, among other elements. Some altars include items to represent the four elements of life: earth, wind, water and fire. Altars also include elements that reflect a family’s love for departed loved ones. You can add items the deceased person enjoyed. For example, food they liked to eat or if they were a fan of a sports team you can add items related to the team.