There are many events here in San Antonio marking Dia de los Muertos. It’s a holiday that dates back centuries and is rich with traditions still observed today.
Ellen Riojas Clark, Ph.D., told us about the indigenous roots of the holiday and how it has evolved over time.
Dia delos Muertos began with the indigenous peoples of Mexico and was deeply tied to their spiritual beliefs. They viewed life and death as part of a continuous cycle, believing that true life begins after death. When Spanish colonizers arrived, they brought Catholicism, which blended with these existing traditions to form the modern celebration we know today.
Dia delos Muertos is more than just a remembrance, it’s a vibrant celebration of those we’ve lost and a way to connect with ancestors we may never have known.
From altars and marigolds to music and food, the holiday is a powerful reminder that love and memory transcend time.