A vibrant Mexican holiday that celebrates and honors loved ones who have passed, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated all over the world. While the day is primarily about remembering loved ones, food is a central part of the festivities, from beginning to end. If you’re preparing to celebrate Día de los Muertos or if you’re supporting a relative who is, knowing how to prepare a few traditional dishes can help you embrace the beauty of this special day. International Fresh Market, a top Mexican grocery store, has what you need to know about some of Día de los Muertos’ most popular and enduring dishes.
Understanding Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos is a holiday that dates back thousands of years, to those who lived during the pre-Columbian Mesoamerica period. The holiday is now celebrated by families who welcome back the souls of their loved ones who have passed on. Celebrants indulge in festive food, drink, and song, reminiscing everything they loved about those who have passed. Far from being a solemn occasion, Día de los Muertos is a time of celebration. In particular, food plays a symbolic role during the proceedings, connecting the living with the departed.
Traditional Foods of Día de los Muertos
There are a few traditional foods of Día de los Muertos, enjoyed by those stateside and abroad.
1. Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead). This sweet, soft bread is handmade and decorated with bone-like shapes to symbolize the cycle of life and death. While it is eaten and enjoyed by many during Día de los Muertos, it is also often placed on altars. Pan de Muerto is typically flavored with orange blossom or anise.
2. Sugar skulls (Calaveras de Azúcar). These colorful sugar skulls represent departed souls and are often displayed on altars as a playful, fun reminder of the afterlife. They are often made by hand, but they are also traditionally purchased from street vendors or stores as well.
3. Tamales. Savory and delicious, tamales are made by stuffing a corn dough with a variety of fillings. The dough is then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed. They are often prepared in groups for the holiday, with the preparation itself as much a ritual as consuming the tamales. Tamales are the ultimate comfort food and can be enjoyed all year.
4. Atole. A traditional beverage often served alongside tamales, atole is a thick drink made from corn masa. It is flavored with either cinnamon, vanilla, or chocolate, and is both sweet and comforting.
5. Mole. A rich sauce made with chiles, chocolate, spices, and nuts, mole is served over meats and represents the blending of cultures. It’s a mainstay in many Latin American holiday meals, including Día de los Muertos.
6. Candied pumpkin (Calabaza en Tacha). This delicacy is made of pumpkin pieces cooked in unrefined cane sugar (piloncillo) and spices. It’s often placed on altars as an offering but is also enjoyed as a sweet treat.
7. Marigold flowers (Cempasúchil). These bright orange flowers are used not as an ingredient in cooking but as a decoration for altars to help guide spirits with their vibrant color and sweet smell. Marigolds add to the Día de los Muertos experience.
Key Ingredients to Stock Up On
There are a few primary ingredients used in a variety of Mexican dishes. Essentials like dried chiles, piloncillo, masa harina, and Mexican chocolate are used in multiple recipes and can make it easier to whip up Día de los Muertos dishes on the fly. Visit your local Mexican grocery store to pick these up in advance of your celebration.
How to Create Your Own Día de los Muertos Feast
When setting up your own altar (ofrenda), don’t get overwhelmed by everything you could add. Rather, focus on the items that make your altar unique. Include photos of your loved ones who have passed on, or mementos that they shared with you at one time. Add some beautiful flowers and candles, in scents and colors that your loved ones enjoyed.
As you prepare menu items for Día de los Muertos, consider what you love as well as what your guests will enjoy. If you’re hosting a large group, prepare some items in advance so you don’t have to worry about a lot of cooking the day of the celebration. Don’t be afraid to enlist help if you need it.
Visit Your Local Mexican Grocery Store for Día de los Muertos Essentials
Traditional foods can help you embrace the spirit of Día de los Muertos and remember your loved ones with emotion and understanding. Discover all the ingredients you need for your Día de los Muertos celebration at International Fresh Market, your local Mexican grocery store!
