Día de Los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is traditionally celebrated in Mexican Culture on November 1- 2. This two-day celebration honours the family’s deceased through bright colours, costumes and big celebrations. It starts with Día de Los Angelitos (Spirits of the children), where the spirits of all deceased children are believed to be reunited with their families.

At midnight for the next day, the celebrations shift to Día de Los Difuntos (Spirits of the adults), which is the day of the adults, and finally, the next day is Día de Los Muertos which is the day of the spirits of all of the dead. Mexican families take the time to visit gravesites, and it is not a celebration of death but of life.

Some recognizable symbols of this celebration are the ofrenda, which is a central symbol of Dia de Los Muertos, where pictures and mementos of deceased family members are put to help them on their journey. Sugar skulls, monarch butterflies, and marigold flowers.

For more information, check out out our article on Día de Los Muertos

How to Observe Día de los Muertos in the Workplace

• Policy updates: Take a look at your policies, such as your bereavement period. Are your policies inclusive and flexible? You can use our free DEI Policy Template at your convenience.

• Mindful of decorations: Be mindful of decorations. The symbols of Dia de Los Muertos are sacred to Mexican culture.

Communication for Día de los Muertos

Hi everyone,

November 2nd is Dia de Los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, which is observed in the Mexican heritage. It emerged from an Aztec ritual known as Miccaihuitl, a transitional time from summer to fall. It is a day to bring you closer to those you can no longer see or feel.

We encourage you to take a read at this informative article about Día de los Muertos from CultureAlly.

We understand everyone grieves in many different ways, and we want you to take the time to heal from losing a loved one. We want to create a safe space for conversations and check-ins.

We want you all at [Organization Name] to reach out if there is anything we can do to accommodate you.

Thank you all,

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