Decorative skull placed on an ofrenda with candles lit in the background

Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a two-day celebration to reunite the living and the dead to honor those who have died. It is observed November 1 and 2. Holiday traditions include the creation of ofrendas, paper decorations, sugar skulls and traditional breads.

Digital Short
What do you know about Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) and its traditions? Here's a great introduction to the holiday intended to honor our deceased loved ones.
Play
Los Lobos performs in The Cavern (opens in new window)

New on Iowa PBS

Dia De Los Muertos (opens in new window)

Taped in the "underworld" of The Caverns, this musical celebration includes Latino rock greats Los Lobos and the salsa-rap-reggae-funk band Ozomatli.

Friday, Oct. 28 at 8:30 p.m.

Dia De Los Muertos Traditions

Yellow and orange tissue paper marigold

Tissue Paper Marigolds

Digital Short
Make your own tissue paper marigolds as part of your Día de los Muertos celebration and add to an ofrenda honoring your loved ones.
Traditional bread made to celebrate the Day of the Dead

Pan de Muertos

Digital Short
Pan de Muertos is an important component for many Day of the Dead celebrations and is often seen on the ofrendas honoring the deceased.
Ofrenda with papel, photograph, fruit, bread and lit candles

Understanding Ofrendas

Digital Short
Learn about the tradition of creating an ofrenda and the significance of the items displayed.