The Month of Miccailhuitontli

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A look at the origins and evolution of the Day of the Dead festival, originally celebrated during the month of Miccailhuitontli on the Aztec calendar.

When first observing the rituals of Los Días de los Muertos, it's sometimes assumed that this is simply another Catholic tradition. In Puerto Rico, for instance, the celebration will be more like the traditional All Hallow's Eve and All Saints Day (Día de Todos Santos) that is also celebrated in Europe and South America. However, in Mexico and Central America, you will see the surviving tradition of the Aztecs, Toltecs, Mayans and Olmecs.

The celebration of the dead in Mexico existed for centuries before the Spanish arrived.  Like all traditions, the way the dead are celebrated in Mexico has changed over time.  It has incorporated Spanish and Catholic traditions, but has remained very true to its origins.

As Octavio Paz points out, death and life constantly intermingle with Mexican life.  This was especially true when the Aztecs had control of the land.  In those days, there was an entire month dedicated to honoring and celebrating death.  This was the Aztec month of Miccailhuitontli, which roughly corresponds to July 24 through August 12. This month was presided over by the goddess Mictecacihuatl, Lady of the Dead, and was full of rituals dedicated to her and the god of war Huitzilopochtli.  These rituals were divided to honor lost children and then the adult deceased.

When the Spanish arrived they needed to stop the pagan tradition but compromise in a way that allowed the natives to honor their past generations.  To do this, they stopped the month long celebration and had them celebrate on the first days of November.  While many urban areas focus on October 31st and finish on November 1st, the more thorough celebrations will start on October 27.  Throughout Mexico and Central America, the festival will differ from area to area depending on how urban the region is and how much the indigenous identity continues to thrive.  In the southwestern United States, the holiday has regained mobility.  It continues to struggle as people move away from their family burial sites. 

You'll find the festival decorated with bright yellow-orange marigolds called zempasuchils as well as the animated figures of calacas (skeletons).  You might hear the songs and poems called calaveras during the celebration, or write one of your own.  These range from satirical poems poking fun at someone to rhymes about death to songs about someone you cherish.  In the middle of this fun and reverence, you will certainly see ofrendas - gifts and an altar dedicated to remembrance.

Unlike the American need to find fear during this season, this ancient holiday mixes fun, reverence, remembrance and respect.  It's a season when you get to spend time with those who have passed into the next realm and think about yourself with future generations.

Boise Matthews, our Southwestern Guide, takes you step by step through the festival.

Learn More > The Dead Are Coming! > Go Southwest