10 Misconceptions about Día de Muertos

Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a deeply significant celebration in Mexican culture, dedicated to honoring the memory of loved ones who have passed away. Far from being a day of mourning, Día de Muertos is a vibrant, joyful event that views death as a natural part of life—a continuation of the cycle rather than an ending.

Growing up in Mexico, we’ve always known this time of year as a moment to gather with family, to build ofrendas (altars), and to reflect on the cyclical nature of life and death. Now, living as Mexicans in the US, we’ve seen how Día de Muertos has been embraced in new ways outside of Mexico, but we’ve also, unfortunately, witnessed how misconceptions about the holiday can overshadow its cultural meaning.

For us, Día de Muertos is not “Mexican Halloween” or a day to glorify death. It’s a joyful celebration, full of life, memories, and respect for those who came before us. But misunderstandings—whether through commercialization or cultural misinterpretation—can unintentionally harm this tradition, stripping away the depth and beauty it holds for so many Mexican families.

In previous posts, we’ve delved into the history and meaning of some of the key symbols of Día de Muertos. We’ve explored the elegance of catrinas, the bright beauty of cempasúchil (marigolds), and the sweet significance of calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls). We’ve also shared the history behind Mictlán, the Aztec underworld, and how modern-day altars are a way to help souls navigate their way back to the world of the living. Each element on the ofrenda, from photos of the deceased to their favorite foods, holds a special meaning that connects us to our ancestors. Sharing this is meant to serve as our fight against these very misconceptions that we are talking about.

We’ve dedicated every blog post to emphasize how every town in Mexico celebrates Día de Muertos in its own unique way. In Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, for example, you’ll see candlelit boats floating across the lake. These regional traditions reflect the diversity and personal nature of Día de Muertos throughout the country. And these are only the regional differences, we could definitely go into a never-ending writing and say more about household differences.

Given its deep-rooted significance, it’s important to address the misconceptions about Día de Muertos, especially as the celebration becomes more visible to audiences outside of Mexico. As Mexican immigrants, we feel a deep connection to these traditions and have seen firsthand the ways that Día de Muertos can sometimes be confusing when viewed from outside the culture. Which is why in this blog post, we’ll be addressing some common misconceptions about Día de Muertos and explaining why they can be harmful to the tradition and the culture it represents. We invite you to join us as we explore how to approach this beautiful celebration with the respect and understanding it deserves.

1. Día de Muertos is the Same as Halloween

Many people think Día de Muertos is simply the Mexican version of Halloween due to the similar timing and skull imagery. However, while Halloween and Día de Muertos both relate to death, their meanings and origins are worlds apart.
Halloween, observed on October 31st, originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people wore costumes to scare off spirits. Over time, it evolved into a holiday centered on costumes and spooky thrills.
In contrast, Día de Muertos, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd is rooted in Indigenous beliefs. It’s about honoring loved ones, not scaring away spirits. Halloween embraces the spooky, while Día de Muertos celebrates life and the memory of those who came before us.

2. Día de Muertos is a Celebration about Death

Many people mistakenly think that Día de Muertos is a dark, funeral-like event. In truth, this celebration is about life and the connection between the living and the dead. It’s a way to honor loved ones joyfully, even if we never met them, by keeping their memories alive. Through offerings on the ofrenda/altar, we symbolically invite spirits back, surrounded by the things they loved.
While Día de Muertos is not about mourning, it does play a role in the grieving process. Some people observe it quietly, using the occasion to reflect and remember. But for many, it’s a lively gathering filled with music, food, and laughter.
Reducing this celebration to a “celebration of death” makes it seem eerie and can lead to prejudice. Instead, it’s a joyful way to acknowledge life’s cycle and celebrate the legacies left behind.

3. Ofrendas are Altars to Worship the Dead

In the same vein, Día de Muertos is not about worshiping death. Some people, especially those unfamiliar with Día de Muertos, see ofrendas—filled with sugar skulls, candles, and offerings—and mistakenly think they’re part of a “diabolical” ritual (taken from first-hand comments). But ofrendas aren’t about worshiping death. They are welcoming spaces that honor loved ones with photos, favorite foods, and mementos. This isn’t about bringing back the dead physically, but symbolically inviting their spirits to join us, if only for a moment.
Unfortunately, this misunderstanding has led to prejudice, with many judged unfairly as “pagan” or “unholy.” In reality, Día de Muertos is a reminder that death is just one part of our journey, and a time to honor the legacies that live on in our hearts.

4. Día de Muertos is a Religious Holiday

Although it falls around All Saints’ Day, Día de Muertos isn’t strictly religious. It’s a blend of Indigenous beliefs and Catholic influences, showing Mexico’s unique history and culture.
The celebration has roots in ancient customs. The idea that spirits of our loved ones can return for a night trace back to Mexica beliefs about Mictlán, a realm for the dead. While Día de Muertos is deeply Indigenous, it has also embraced Catholic elements over time. You’ll often see ofrendas decorated with crosses made from cempasúchil petals. Some families include rosaries, pray over the altar, or light candles and copal incense in the altar. This blend of old and new, indigenous and religious, coexists seamlessly.
For some, it’s religious; for others, it’s cultural, or both. Día de Muertos embraces this duality, making it a time to joyfully welcome back the departed, blending the ancient with the new.

5. Día de Muertos is Celebrated Only on November 1 and 2

While November 1st and 2nd—days traditionally marked to honor Todos los Santos (All Saints)— are the main dates, the celebration often starts earlier, with timing and practices varying by region and communities.
In some places, the celebration starts as early as October 27, honoring our pets that have left us, or October 28 honoring those who died in tragic or accidental deaths. There are days like October 31, a day for unborn children. In some communities, commemorations can extend to dates like November 6 to honor all spirits collectively.
These days aren’t randomly chosen but reflect a rich blend of Indigenous beliefs and Catholic customs. While November 1st and 2nd are universally marked, other days often highlight different groups and beliefs, showing that Día de Muertos is a complex celebration

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6. People Wear Costumes to Scare Others

It’s easy to confuse Día de Muertos attire with Halloween costumes, but the intent is different. While some Mexicans do celebrate Halloween and might wear scary costumes, and tell ghost stories, traditional Día de Muertos face painting, like the Catrina or sugar skull, honors life and death with respect.
Painting faces as Catrinas or sugar skulls has become a powerful way to celebrate this connection, highlighting the beauty in both life and death. For many, this face paint is a tribute to loved ones who have passed, symbolizing the enduring bond between the living and the dead.
When people borrow these symbols without understanding, or reduce them to “costumes,” it can feel disrespectful. Día de Muertos face paint is not a Halloween costume but a cultural symbol that expresses an attitude towards death deeply rooted in honoring those who have gone before us.

7. Everyone Celebrates Día de Muertos the Same Way

Assuming everyone celebrates Día de Muertos the same way overlooks the diversity and personal significance of this tradition. Traditions vary greatly across Mexico; what’s essential in one place might be unheard of, or even offensive, in another. In Pomuch, for example, families clean the bones of their loved ones as part of the ritual, while in Pátzcuaro, it’s common to spend the entire night in the cemetery. These differences highlight how personal and localized the celebration can be.
Día de Muertos also varies among communities and families. Some households build elaborate ofrendas, while others keep things simple and intimate. For many, it’s a time for family, but others honor friends, community members, or even public figures. Keep in mind that some people may still be grieving and prefer a quieter observance, while others embrace it as a joyful reunion with those they’ve lost.

8. Día de Muertos is Celebrated Only in Mexico

While Día de Muertos originated in Mexico, it’s celebrated by Mexican communities globally, especially in places with large Mexican populations, such as parts of the U.S. It’s important to remember that not everyone in Mexico celebrates this tradition either, as customs vary by region and community.
Believing Día de Muertos is exclusive to Mexico overlooks the influence of Mexican culture and can alienate those who honor the tradition outside its country of origin or who are trying to reconnect with their roots. Día de Muertos unites Mexicans everywhere, showing how culture can cross borders and create connections far from home.

9. Anyone Can Build an Ofrenda

While anyone can build an ofrenda, it’s important to approach it with respect and understanding. Always acknowledge that Día de Muertos tradition has faced discrimination, especially in the U.S., and treating an ofrenda as casual décor is dismissive of the experience our culture has had. An ofrenda is a meaningful way to honor loved ones, with every item thoughtfully chosen and placed to connect with the departed.
To do so, keep in mind that each element has deep significance. Sugar skulls represent joy, reflecting how Mexicans see death as part of life’s cycle, while cempasúchil guide spirits home with their vibrant color and scent. Pan de muerto, shaped with bones, symbolizes unity in life and death. These aren’t random objects—they hold the memory and essence of those who’ve passed, embodying beliefs carried through generations.
There are no strict rules to building an ofrenda, but each item is chosen with purpose. Knowing the meaning behind these symbols shows respect for the culture and acknowledges the love that goes into this beautiful tradition.

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10. Día de Muertos is an Ancient Holiday That Hasn’t Changed

Día de Muertos has deep Indigenous roots, but it has transformed over time. Before the arrival of the Spanish, it was a very different celebration. Over the centuries, it incorporated Catholic elements, such as All Souls’ Day, along with Aztec and other Indigenous beliefs, creating the unique tradition we see today.
The celebration continues to adapt, with each generation adding personal touches and, in some cases, modern elements making it the beautiful tradition we get to celebrate today.

As Día de Muertos gains visibility, it’s inspiring to see more people appreciate this unique tradition. However, with that visibility comes the risk of commercialization, which can sometimes overlook the depth and sacredness that make it so special. When big-name brands (like Walmart, West Elm or World Market) adopt Día de Muertos imagery to mass product what are supposed to be artisanal crafts, it’s important to remember that these symbols carry deep meaning for many Mexican families, who take great care to honor their loved ones through these traditions.

Despite this, Día de Muertos remains resilient. It continues to thrive as a celebration of life and remembrance, passed down through generations with love. While the world’s interest grows, there’s an opportunity for more people to understand and respect its true significance. So, as we welcome the growing awareness of Día de Muertos, let’s also embrace a thoughtful approach—one that keeps its sacred aspects alive and honors the beauty of remembering those who came before us.

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And you, what misconception did you have before or have heard others have about Día de Muertos? Share it in the comments below, we would love to do a second part of this! Also, is there anything specific about Día de Muertos you would like for us to address? Let us know, we love reading your comments and sincerely appreciate your feedback!

If you liked this piece, be sure to check out all other articles written about Día de Muertos in our Zócalo blog here, where you can read all about the elements for an ofrenda, an in-depth explanation about Día de Muertos, and many more!

Lastly, while you’re at it don’t forget to check out our Día de Muertos collection where you can find all essentials for your ofrenda and home decorations!