Day of the Dead - Dias Del Murete

This collage is very special to me - my celebration of the Day of the Dead;  A remembering of those close and special to me who are no longer here. They're in the stars. I made the first version of this collage several years ago.  I have now updated it twice, as life moves that way. 

Day of the Dead-Mi dia de los Muertos collage 2026

From top left - 

Anthony & Rose, my parents, my Grandmother Elizabeth, JuliaC, Peter, Helen, JuliaH, ElizabethP, Martha, Oscar, Christian, Pat, Michael, Jerry, Aunt Annie, Amy,  

Dave,  my sister Jacqui and Jim

The Catholic church tradition honors November 1st and 2nd, as All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day; honoring the principle that there is ongoing spiritual connection and bonds between the living on earth and those in the Heavenly realm. Masses and prayers are offered in memory of those loved ones no longer with us in the earthly plain.

The Dia de los Muertos holiday, celebrated in Mexico and other cultures, is filled with beautiful symbols, traditions, and imagery.  This tradition includes the Spanish/European cultural traditions; those rooted in ancient meso-American and those that evolved over thousands of years of celebrations honoring the dead.

Many people make altars or “ofrendas” (offerings) in their homes to honor their loved ones who have died. The ofrenda is a home altar built during Día de los Muertos to honor, remember, and welcome back the spirits of deceased loved ones and celebrate with them. Every detail represents something significant and special in the remembrance of loved ones.

Here is a photo of a grand ofrenda at Frida's Kahlos home in Mexico City - Casa Azul - the Blue House, which is now a museum. Many of the elements are those used by Frida's in her ofrendas. 

Frida Kahlo's ofrenda for Day of the Dead

at her home, Casa Azul, Mexico City_2018 photo

I had never seen this portrait by Frida Kahlo before and found it as I was looking around for Frida and Day of the Dead. I am moved by it's imagery and story.  Here Frida has painted her family including those in the heavenly realms. This was one of her last paintings and there are two blank faces on the right are because she died before she finished it. It has been left uclear as to who they were to be, but is considered they are her sister Christina's children.

Portrait of Frida's Famly - Retrato de la familia de Frida 1950-1954

Thank  you for sharing the Day of the Dead with me. Blessings to all of those close to you who are now In The Stars.