Howdy, Y’all! Lou here, Yeye’s manager and longtime friend. With Día de los Muertos just around the corner, I wanted to take a moment to share something near and dear to my heart—celebrating our ancestors during this sacred time.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a beautiful tradition that I look forward to every year. It’s a time to honor those who came before us, remembering their lives with love, gratitude, and celebration. For me, it’s a chance to reflect on my own heritage and connect with the spiritual presence of my ancestors. There’s something deeply moving about creating an ofrenda (altar), filled with offerings like candles, photos, flowers (traditionally marigolds), and my ancestors’ favorite foods. It brings a sense of closeness, knowing that their spirits are with me, watching over and guiding me.
For those unfamiliar, Día de los Muertos has roots in ancient Mesoamerican traditions, particularly from the Aztec civilization, where death wasn’t seen as the end, but a continuation of life. The holiday merged with Catholic traditions after Spanish colonization, creating a blend of Indigenous and European customs that we see today. It’s typically celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in the Catholic Church.
While some people mistakenly associate it with Halloween, Día de los Muertos is not about fear or mourning—it’s about celebrating life and remembering our loved ones with joy. The sugar skulls (calaveras), vibrant papel picado, and the iconic skeleton imagery are all symbols that remind us that death is a natural part of life. It’s a time to laugh, eat, and celebrate, knowing that our loved ones are never truly gone—they live on in our memories and hearts.
Now that I’m living in Kansas City, Missouri, I’m excited to explore local events that celebrate Día de los Muertos. If you’re here in KC, there are some fantastic ways to get involved and experience this beautiful tradition:
- KCMO Día de los Muertos Festival at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
This free, family-friendly event on November 1st and 2nd features traditional music, folk art, and the creation of a community altar. Visitors are encouraged to bring mementos to honor their own ancestors. - Mattie Rhodes Art Center’s Día de los Muertos Celebration
One of the longest-running celebrations in KC, Mattie Rhodes’ annual event includes an outdoor festival with live music, food, and a stunning display of altars created by local artists and community members. - Día de los Muertos Catrina Parade and Block Party
Held in the Westside neighborhood, this lively parade is full of colorful costumes, traditional face painting, and music that brings the streets alive with the spirit of the holiday.
If you’ve never celebrated Día de los Muertos before, these events are a great way to experience the rich cultural heritage that it represents. It’s a time to reflect on our shared humanity, to honor the past, and to look forward to the future with reverence for those who paved the way for us.
For me, this holiday always brings a deep sense of connection—not just to my own ancestors, but to the larger spirit of community. I can’t wait to celebrate this year and continue honoring my roots while learning more about how this beautiful tradition is expressed around me now that I no longer live in Texas.
Wherever you are, I hope you take a moment to reflect on your own ancestors and celebrate the legacy they’ve left behind.
With warmth, curiosity and remembrance,
Lou
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