Mexican American families across the United States are preparing to celebrate Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, a rich cultural tradition that honors deceased loved ones. This event, scheduled for the weekend of October 28-29, 2025, often involves creating vibrant altars known as ofrendas, adorned with marigolds, sugar skulls, and photographs of those who have passed away. The significance of this celebration is deeply rooted in family and cultural heritage, yet it faces challenges as commercialization and changing practices emerge.
Traditionally, Día de Muertos is an intimate family affair. Families gather to decorate graves with flowers, bring favorite foods of the deceased, and even hire musicians to play their beloved songs. Cesáreo Moreno, chief curator and visual director at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, emphasizes that skeletons play a central role in the festivities, symbolizing a temporary return of the deceased to the living world. “Like seeds planted in soil, the dead disappear temporarily, only to return each year,” Moreno explains.
This year, the significance of the celebration has taken on added layers as the Mexican American community grapples with the impact of mainstream culture. With the release of Disney’s animated film Coco in 2017, Día de Muertos gained visibility and popularity, but this success has also led to a commercialization that some community members view with concern. Moreno points out that while the film has helped educate those outside the Mexican American community about the tradition, it has also made the celebration more marketable and, at times, diluted its cultural essence.
The transformation of Día de Muertos in the United States raises questions about maintaining tradition amid evolving practices. Some individuals have begun to create minimalist ofrendas, focusing on a more subdued aesthetic. Ana Cecy Lerma, a Mexican American from Texas, observes this trend and expresses her concerns. “If your reasoning is merely that you like how it looks, then I feel that’s losing a bit of the reason as to why we make altars,” she states.
Cultural appropriation is another issue affecting the celebration. Sehila Mota Casper, director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation, notes that businesses are increasingly targeting Día de Muertos for profit, similar to how they have commercialized Cinco de Mayo. Major retailers, including Target and Wal-Mart, now offer DIY ofrenda kits, which Mota Casper believes detracts from the true cultural significance of the holiday.
Despite these challenges, many individuals strive to celebrate Día de Muertos with respect. Beth McRae, who has been creating altars since 1994, emphasizes the importance of honoring her ancestors through meaningful items. “It’s done with respect and love, but it’s also an opportunity to raise awareness to people not familiar with the culture,” she explains. McRae has curated a collection of over 1,000 pieces related to the celebration and hosts a party each year to share its significance.
Salvador Ordorica, a first-generation Mexican American living in Los Angeles, believes that traditions must evolve to remain relevant for younger generations. “I think it’s okay for traditions to change,” Ordorica asserts. “As long as the core of the tradition remains in place, it can keep the spirit alive.”
As families across the U.S. prepare for Día de Muertos, the blend of tradition and modernity will continue to spark discussions on how best to honor ancestors while adapting to a changing cultural landscape. The challenge lies in preserving the deep-rooted values of this celebration while navigating its increasing influence in popular culture.
