How Food Brings Families Together for Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time for families to gather across generations to honor loved ones and keep their memories alive. Central to the celebration are ofrendas (altars) decorated with marigolds, candles, photos, and favorite foods and drinks of the departed.

Food plays a special role in these traditions. Families prepare beloved recipes, cook together, and share meals that reflect the tastes of those they’ve lost. In this way, food becomes a way to preserve stories, celebrate life, and pass memories from one generation to the next.

Traditional Sweets Eaten on Día de los Muertos

At the heart of Día de los Muertos celebrations are pan de muerto and sugar skulls, two sweet and classic foods often enjoyed on this day.

Pan de muerto is a sweet, round bread often flavored with anise and orange zest. Its top is decorated with “bones” of dough, representing the circle of life and death. Families gather to bake and share this bread, often telling stories about ancestors while shaping the dough.

Sugar skulls are brightly decorated confections that represent the souls of the departed. They are beautiful and colorful, and add joy to the remembrance of loved ones past with personalized colors, icing, and names.

Tamales, Prepared Together 

Tamales are one of the most iconic foods associated with Día de los Muertos. Made from masa (corn dough) spread on corn husks and filled with meats, cheeses, chilies, or sweet ingredients, tamales embody tradition, community, and care.

Preparing tamales is a labor-intensive process, which is why families often come together to make them together. This collective cooking mirrors the spirit of Día de los Muertos itself by honoring loved ones by working and celebrating as a family. On altars, tamales are often offered as a favorite dish of the departed, reminding everyone of the flavors that connected them in life.

Recipes That Bring Families Together 

Beyond classic Día de los Muertos foods, your family can celebrate with flavorful recipes that highlight Mexican cooking today. Our favorite way to bring people together is by sharing a seat at the table! Here are some of our favorite recipes to eat with loved ones while gathering around the table:

• Fajita Platter
  Colorful bell peppers, onions, and seasoned chicken or steak come sizzling to the table. A platter like this invites everyone to grab, share, and customize with tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.
  
• Cowboy Caviar
  A vibrant mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and peppers tossed with zesty dressing. Served as a dip or salad, it’s a festive and colorful addition to any spread that’s sure to please a crowd.
  
• Huevos Rancheros
  A hearty breakfast classic with eggs layered over tortillas and topped with salsa, this dish is often enjoyed in the morning to gather everyone together at the start of the day.
  
• Easy Salsa Shredded Chicken
  Juicy shredded chicken simmered in Ortega® salsa. It’s a versatile recipe, perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or tostadas, making it simple to feed a crowd.

Día de los Muertos foods are about more than taste. They are vessels of memory, connection, and culture. This Día de los Muertos, let food be your guide and share your own memories with those you love.