Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and deeply meaningful Mexican tradition celebrated with colorful altars, sugar skulls, and marigold flowers. This beautiful holiday transcends borders, evolving over time while preserving its core purpose: to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Increasingly, this remembrance extends to our cherished animal companions. Celebrating Day Of The Dead For Pets is becoming a heartfelt practice, recognizing the profound impact these furry, scaled, or feathered family members have on our lives.
A Special Day for Pet Remembrance
While Día de Muertos traditionally focuses on human loved ones on November 1st and 2nd, a special day, October 27th, has emerged for honoring pets. This dedicated day acknowledges the powerful bond we share with animals and provides a space to remember and celebrate their lives within the broader Día de Muertos festivities. Including pets in Day of the Dead celebrations is a testament to their integral role in our families.
Michele Soto, Operations Manager at The Arizona Pet Project, embodies this sentiment. For years, she and her mother have created a community altar for pets at their south Phoenix office. The Arizona Pet Project, an organization dedicated to keeping pets in loving homes, understands the deep connection people have with their animals. Their annual Day of the Dead for pets altar provides a communal space for grieving pet owners to celebrate their companions’ lives.
“It’s really about pets being part of your family,” Soto explains. “You love them when you meet them, you love them when they’re in your life — just like your family — and you love them when they’re gone.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the growing movement to include pets in Day of the Dead observances.
Finding Joy in Remembrance
Soto’s personal experience with grief after losing her 14-year-old cat, Henry, further solidified her belief in the healing power of Day of the Dead celebrations. Creating a small altar at home with Henry’s photos and favorite toys helped her navigate her sorrow. She emphasizes that the vibrant and joyful nature of Día de Muertos, with its bright colors and celebratory atmosphere, helps transform grief into gratitude. The focus shifts from the sadness of loss to the joy of having shared life with beloved pets.
This approach to grief aligns with the cultural significance of Día de Muertos. It’s a tradition rooted in honoring ancestors and deceased loved ones, not in mourning them with sadness, but in celebrating their continued presence in spirit. Extending this tradition to pets is a natural evolution for many pet owners who consider their animals family members.
The Cultural Roots and Evolution of Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos has deep historical roots, blending indigenous pre-Hispanic rituals with Catholic traditions introduced by Spanish colonizers. Originally observed privately, the public celebration of Día de Muertos in the United States gained momentum through the Chicano Movement in the 1970s. This movement aimed to celebrate Mexican traditions and cultural pride, bringing Día de Muertos into the public sphere with art exhibitions and parades.
Professor Regina Marchi, an expert in Latino and Caribbean Studies at Rutgers University and author of “Day of the Dead in the United States: The Migration and Transformation of a Cultural Phenomenon,” highlights the Chicano Movement’s role in politicizing altars. These altars expanded beyond family remembrance to honor victims of social injustices, further evolving the tradition’s scope.
This expansion paved the way for the inclusion of pets. As Día de Muertos gained popularity and evolved, particularly after the release of the animated film “Coco” in 2017, the inclusion of pets became more widespread and accepted. “Coco” itself contributed to this trend by featuring a Xoloitzcuintle dog, a breed with deep cultural significance in Mexico.
The Xoloitzcuintle: An Ancient Connection
The Xoloitzcuintle, or Xolo, is a hairless dog breed native to Mexico with a history stretching back thousands of years to Aztec culture. These dogs held spiritual significance and were believed to guide souls in the afterlife. Archaeological evidence shows Xolo remains buried alongside humans in Aztec ruins, signifying their role as companions in both life and death. The inclusion of a Xolo named Dante in “Coco” resonated deeply, reinforcing the connection between dogs and the spirit world within the context of Día de Muertos.
While the Xoloitzcuintle’s ancient lineage is undeniable, Professor Marchi cautions against romanticizing a linear, unbroken tradition. Colonization and cultural shifts have impacted Día de Muertos practices. However, the modern celebration, including honoring pets, represents a vibrant and evolving tradition that continues to adapt and resonate with contemporary communities.
Creating a Day of the Dead Altar for Your Pet
Building a Day of the Dead altar, or ofrenda, for your pet is a beautiful way to remember and celebrate their life. Here’s how you can create a meaningful pet memorial:
- Photos: The centerpiece of any ofrenda is photographs of your beloved pet. Choose photos that capture their personality and spirit.
- Favorite Foods and Treats: Include your pet’s favorite kibble, treats, or even special human food they enjoyed (in small, symbolic amounts).
- Toys and Comfort Items: Place their favorite toys, blankets, collars, or anything that reminds you of their playful nature and brought them comfort.
- Water: Water is a traditional offering on Día de Muertos altars, representing refreshment for the returning spirits.
- Marigolds (Cempasúchil): These vibrant orange flowers are iconic to Día de Muertos and are believed to guide spirits back to the altar with their scent and color.
- Candles: Candles symbolize light and hope, guiding spirits and illuminating the altar.
- Papel Picado: These colorful, intricately cut paper decorations add a festive touch to the altar. You can find papel picado with pet-themed designs.
- Personal Touches: Add any other items that are personally meaningful and represent your unique bond with your pet, such as grooming brushes, paw print art, or tags.
Celebrating Day of the Dead for pets is a touching way to keep the memory of your animal companions alive. It’s an opportunity to embrace a beautiful cultural tradition while honoring the unconditional love and joy pets bring into our lives. By creating a pet ofrenda, you not only remember your furry friends but also participate in a meaningful cultural practice that celebrates life, love, and remembrance.
