Till Death Do Us Part

November 2, 2024

“The only thing certain in life is uncertainty”... and death. 

Regardless of your gender, class, or nationality, death casts its shadow on us all. While some will find that sad, Mexican culture celebrates death as a natural transition in the cycle of life. 

Día de los Muertos, is a day to honor the deceased. Leading up to November 2nd you will find colorful altars, decorated with cempasúchil (marigolds), papel picado, pan de muerto, candles, food, and personal mementos adorning the streets of Mexico City, Oaxaca, and even Ottawa. Through these offerings, families keep the memories of their loved ones alive. 

Fabiola Yzeta-Vincent founder and CEO of the Day of the Dead festival in Ottawa says “it’s a Mexican tradition, but everybody can participate, because everybody has someone that they lost.”  Whether or not Día de los Muertos is part of your culture, this tradition invites us to show gratitude to our ancestors and life givers. 

Pictured is the altar created by Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México at La Maison du Citoyen (Gatineau) & the Day of the Dead festival in the Byward Market (Ottawa).