Día de los Muertos traditions celebrated in El Paso

In El Paso, residents celebrate Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a tradition originating in Mexico that focuses on honoring and celebrating the lives of deceased loved ones rather than mourning.

Observed on November 1 and 2, the holiday involves creating ofrendas, or altars, decorated with photographs, personal mementos, marigold flowers, candles, and incense to guide spirits back to their families. Common offerings include favorite foods and pan de muerto, a traditional sweet bread. Some families also include items like liquor or beer to reflect the preferences of the departed.

Beyond human relatives, many families also create special altars for deceased pets, featuring items such as toys, treats, and collars to celebrate the bond shared with their animals.