Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2. On this day, it is believed that the souls of the dead return to their graves to visit their living loved ones. People with deceased friends or family visit cemeteries with gifts, such as their loved one’s favorite food or toys. If you can’t make it to the cemetery on November 1 and 2, stop by Verde Kitchen & Cocktails to celebrate Dia de los Muertos with an authentic Mexican meal.

What we now know as Dia de los Muertos began about 3,000 years ago. The ancient Indigenous peoples of Mexico practiced rituals that celebrated the lives of past ancestors, but they performed these rituals for an entire month. Now, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated over the span of three days, starting with Halloween on October 31 and Day of the Innocents on November 1.

Loved ones plan for Day of the Dead throughout the year. They collect toys to put on the graves of children and spirits to put on the graves of adults. Ofrendas with marigold flowers are also prepared for Day of the Dead. Marigolds are specifically used during Day of the Dead celebrations because it is believed that the bright color and strong smell of marigolds attract the souls of dead loved ones back to their graves.

Maybe you can’t visit your loved one’s grave this year, or perhaps you don’t celebrate Day of the Dead in the traditional sense. Instead of taking a trip to the cemetery, you can take a trip to Verde Kitchen & Cocktails. You can find us at 70 East Main Street in Bay Shore, New York. We hope to see you here on November 1 or 2!

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