When Is Day of the Dead in 2024?

The Day of the Dead–Dia de los Muertos–is a revered annual celebration in Mexico and in many areas of the United States that have robust Mexican-American communities. In the year 2024, the Day of the Dead takes place on Friday, November 1st through Saturday, November 2nd. Typically, the holiday will begin on the evening of October 31 and continue through November 2. These dates coincide with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day (11/1) and All Souls’ Day (11/2). If you aren’t familiar with this holiday, read further to learn what it is, which countries celebrate it, and what it means.

What Does the Day of the Dead Celebrate?

The traditional holiday honors deceased loved ones and the belief that death is a transition to another life. People celebrate the belief that they will one day be together again with their loved ones. The joyful holiday honors the dead and celebrates the lives of the deceased. It is a time to communicate with the deceased, who are believed to visit the homes of their loved ones on the Day of the Dead. The holiday is rooted in the belief that life on earth is preparation for the next world and, so, maintaining a strong relationship with the dead is important. It is celebrated in different forms all over the world. 

What Do People Do on the Day of the Dead?

Families construct ofrendas (altars) adorned with photos, marigold flowers, and the favorite foods of deceased loved ones, inviting their spirits back to the earthly realm. Whimsical calacas and calaveras (skeleton figures) symbolize acceptance of death with humor.
Calacas are figures of skeletons that are often brightly painted, dressed in human clothing, and depicted in joyful poses.
Calaveras are skull figures that are often made from sugar, wood, paper mache, or carved bone.

Visiting cemeteries, communal gatherings, parades, music, and traditional foods like Pan de Muerto (“bread of the dead”) and sugar skulls are integral parts of this celebration, which not only honors the departed but also showcases the richness of Mexican culture and its enduring appeal worldwide.

What Countries Celebrate the Day of the Dead?

Six countries celebrate the Day of the Dead: Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Philippines, Haiti, & El Salvador.

Mexico

Mexico is the country that first began its celebration of the Day of the Dead. These celebrations began when Mexicans believed that the dead would be offended by mourning and sadness. So, a celebration was started to honor the dead as a day separate from the grief of funerals, memorials, and wakes.

Ecuador

Ecuador has its own traditions for celebrating the Day of the Dead though it has the same premise as in Mexico. It is called El Dia de los Difuntos, Day of the Deceased, in Ecuador.

Guatemala

The Guatemalans call the celebration Festival de Barriletes Gigantes–Festival of Giant Kites. They celebrate with huge kites that they fly into the heavens to honor their passed loved ones. The original Indigenous population of Guatemala believed and still does that kites are a way to talk to dead people. Their kites honor special memories, favorite things, and the lives of those who have passed in hopes that their loved ones will see it and know they are thinking of them.

Philippines

In the Philippines, the Day of the Dead is called Undas and is celebrated on All Saint’s Day. Much like in Mexico, there are parades and feasts. It is a two-day celebration where candles have a special significance.

Haiti

The celebration in Haiti comes from the Voodoo religion. Voodoo spirits are called upon the celebrate both the dead and fertility issues to bring new life into the families of Haitians. It is as two-day festival with singing and dancing, rituals, and feasts.

El Salvador

El Salvador has a rich history on the Day of the Dead, which they call La Calabiuza. It isn’t always celebrated. When it is, it takes place in early November and is steeped in Indigenous principles. People dress like skeletons, carry candles and torches, and walk through the towns. It places much emphasis on grand shows of parades and throwing out trinkets and food. When it is not honored in true Indigenous fashion, it is honored similar to the American Halloween holiday.

Why Are There 2 Days to Celebrate the Day of the Dead?

The two days of celebrating the Day of the Dead honor two different groups of loved ones.

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

November 2 is known as Dia de los Muertos or Dia de los Difuntos (Day of the Dead or Day of the Deceased) and is a day to commemorate adult ancestors and friends. Families visit cemeteries, clean and decorate gravesites, and create elaborate ofrendas in their homes or at burial sites.

Is There a Difference Between Dia de los Muertos and Day of the Dead?

The main difference between Dia de los Muertos and the Day of the Dead is the language in which they are referred to. The celebrations are the same.

The traditional name for the holiday in Mexico is Dia de los Muertos. It is a Spanish phrase that directly translates to “All Souls Day.” The Day of the Dead is the English translation of Dia de los Muertos. 

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