What do you think about the popularity Halloween has picked up in the last few years? Does it take away from “dia de muertos?”
María Fernanda González, Primary School Teacher, 32. I think the popularity of Halloween is a result of globalization, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Kids love it because they get to dress up and have fun, and I’ve noticed that the excitement around it helps them engage with their creativity. However, I don’t believe it takes away from Día de Muertos. Día de Muertos is deeply rooted in our culture; it’s about remembering our loved ones, setting up altars, and honoring our ancestors. Halloween is more commercial and focuses on costumes and candy, which is very different. I think there’s space for both celebrations as long as we continue teaching children the importance and meaning behind Día de Muertos. We can have fun with Halloween without letting it replace our traditions. In my classroom, we always dedicate time to making altars and learning about the symbolism of Día de Muertos, and the kids love it as much as they love Halloween.
Jorge Ramírez, Artisan (makes traditional crafts), 47. I don’t like how Halloween has taken over our traditions. I’ve seen a lot of young people excited about dressing up and trick-or-treating, but they don’t know much about Día de Muertos anymore. For me, that’s a problem because Día de Muertos is part of our identity. It’s a time when we remember our loved ones and celebrate life and death. I understand that Halloween is fun, but I feel it’s a distraction from what really matters. As an artisan, I see fewer people interested in making altars or buying traditional crafts. More people are buying costumes or plastic decorations, which hurts local traditions. I think Halloween should be something small, and we should focus more on what makes us unique, like Día de Muertos.
Sofía Martínez, Marketing Specialist, 25. I think it’s amazing that Halloween has picked up so much in Mexico! It shows how connected we are to global culture, and it gives people a chance to express themselves in creative ways. I personally love dressing up and attending Halloween parties. At the same time, I don’t think it takes away from Día de Muertos because they’re very different holidays. Día de Muertos is about family, remembrance, and honoring those who have passed away, while Halloween is more about fun, fantasy, and a bit of spookiness. They can coexist peacefully. In fact, I think the popularity of Halloween might even make people more curious about Día de Muertos, especially outside of Mexico. We can enjoy both without losing our cultural roots.
Roberto Hernández, Retired Farmer, 65. I’ve seen a lot of changes in Mexico over the years, and I have to say, I’m not a fan of Halloween becoming so popular here. It feels like we’re losing something important when we let these foreign traditions take over. Día de Muertos is sacred to me. It’s a time for the family to come together, remember our loved ones, and tell their stories. Halloween, on the other hand, is just for fun, and it doesn’t carry the same meaning. I’m not saying people shouldn’t enjoy themselves, but it worries me that younger generations might forget what Día de Muertos is all about. It’s our responsibility to keep those traditions alive and not let them be overshadowed by something that doesn’t belong to our culture.
Carla Aguilar, Graphic Design Student, 21. I think Halloween is awesome, and I’m glad it’s becoming more popular here. I love dressing up, going to parties, and seeing all the creative costumes. It’s like a break from reality, and who doesn’t want that sometimes? But I don’t think it takes anything away from Día de Muertos. They’re two completely different celebrations. In my family, we still set up our altar and make pan de muerto. We share stories about our ancestors, and that’s something that will never change. I think we can have both: Halloween for the fun and Día de Muertos for the meaningful traditions. I even think Halloween brings more attention to Mexican culture because people around the world are curious about how we celebrate Día de Muertos.
Antonio López, Chef, 38. As a chef, I’ve seen how the popularity of Halloween has even influenced the kinds of food people are asking for. Pumpkin-spiced everything and Halloween-themed treats are in high demand. I enjoy seeing how we can incorporate new ideas into our gastronomy, but I also think it’s crucial not to forget the importance of Día de Muertos. Food plays a huge role in our traditions, from pan de muerto to the offerings we place on the altar. Halloween is fun and playful, but Día de Muertos is a spiritual celebration that’s very close to our hearts. It’s essential to maintain that balance. I appreciate both for what they are, but I always make sure to remind my kids that Día de Muertos is about family, history, and honoring those who came before us. ,