In early November of each year, people of Latin American descent create ofrendas for their dearly departed loved ones. Dr. Rachel González-Martin helps us to learn about where this celebration comes from and where it might be headed in the future.

In this episode, Dr. Rachel González-Martin discusses the origins of Day of the Dead in Mexico and other Latin American countries and talks about the different meanings of the rituals for particular groups. She also helps listeners to understand the similarities and differences between Halloween and Day of the Dead, and considers the seasonal proliferation of calavera masks, place mats, hand towels and other items in the United States. She concludes with some thoughts about where this tradition may be heading.

Dr. Rachel González-Martin is associate professor in the Department of Mexican American and Latina/o Studies at UT. She has a PhD in folklore and ethnomusicology, and is incoming editor of the journal, Western Folklore. She’s author of Quinceañera Style: Social Belonging and Latinx Consumer Identities.

Additional Resources: 
Mexic-Arte Museum
Day of the Dead in the USA
Days of the Dead Community Celebration at the Oakland Museum of California