As November arrives, vibrant marigolds, sugar skulls, and heartfelt altars are popping up in homes, parks, and city squares from Mexico City to Orange County, California. This year, Día de los Muertos—Day of the Dead—is not just a time to honor departed loved ones, but also a moment to witness how a centuries-old tradition is evolving in the face of modernity and commercialization.
A Festival Grows: Muertos Fest Expands in San Antonio
San Antonio’s beloved Muertos Fest, now in its 13th year, has made headlines by expanding to a three-day extravaganza, running from October 24-26, 2025. The festival features five stages of live music, dance, poetry, and DJs, alongside workshops, kid’s crafts, and a bustling Muertos Mercado. The heart of the event remains the community-built altars—
ofrendas—where families and organizations honor their ancestors with photos, sweet bread (
pan de muerto), and flowers. The festival’s processions, scheduled for October 25 and 26, are expected to draw thousands, with local broadcaster KSAT-12 airing a primetime special to capture the festivities.
Tradition vs. Trend: The Commercialization Debate
Across the United States, Mexican American families are gathering this weekend to decorate graves, build altars, and share favorite foods of their departed relatives. Yet, as the holiday’s popularity surges, so does its commercialization. The release of Disney’s
Coco in 2017 is credited with transforming Día de los Muertos into a mainstream event, especially in northern Mexico and American cities. Now, public parades, festivals, and themed merchandise abound, prompting some community members to question how to preserve the intimate, spiritual roots of the holiday.
Cesáreo Moreno, chief curator at the National Museum of Mexican Art, notes, “The celebration has become more commercialized, leaving many in the community wondering how to preserve the centuries-old tradition while evolving to keep it alive.” Despite these concerns, the core rituals—home altars, cemetery visits, marigolds, and sugar skulls—remain central, symbolizing the annual return of ancestors to the living world.
Local Celebrations: Orange County’s Community Spirit
In Orange County, California, Día de los Muertos is marked by free community festivals, library events, and art workshops. The Roosevelt-Walker Community Center hosts face painting, games, and specialty workshops, while Santa Ana’s Noche de Altares features live entertainment, food vendors, and cultural performances. These events emphasize family-friendly fun and cultural education, ensuring the holiday’s spirit is accessible to all.
The Roots and Meaning: Honoring Life Through Death
Día de los Muertos traces its origins to pre-Columbian times, when the Aztecs celebrated encounters with departed loved ones and worshipped Mictecacihuatl, the Lady of the Dead. The holiday, now observed from October 31 to November 2, blends indigenous beliefs with Catholic traditions, such as Allhallowtide. November 1 honors deceased children, while November 2 is dedicated to adults. Altars are adorned with candles, trinkets, and favorite foods, guiding spirits home for a night of remembrance and joy.
UNESCO recognizes Día de los Muertos as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its role in fostering connection among people and honoring ancestors. The festival’s symbolism—skeletons, marigolds, and literary calaveras (humorous poems about death)—reminds participants to celebrate life, not mourn loss.
What’s Next: The Future of Día de los Muertos
As Día de los Muertos continues to grow in popularity, communities are finding creative ways to balance tradition and innovation. From large-scale festivals to intimate family gatherings, the holiday remains a powerful reminder that honoring the dead is, at its heart, a celebration of life.
Takeaway: Whether you’re building an altar at home or joining a citywide parade, Día de los Muertos offers a chance to connect with loved ones—past and present—and reflect on the enduring power of memory.
Sources
1. Celebrate Muertos Fest 2025 - Muertos Festival
2. Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Resources - LibGuides
3. Mexican Americans balance tradition and modernity in Day of ...
4. The Transformation of Día de los Muertos in the United States
5. Where to Celebrate Día de Los Muertos in OC
6. Día de los Muertos History
7. How Día de Los Muertos Continues to Evolve
8. What Is the Meaning Behind Day of the Dead Symbolism?
9. Embracing Death: Mexican Parent and Child Perspectives on Death
10. [PDF] Día de los Muertos - Latin American & Iberian Institute
