While many of us look to the end of October as the Halloween season, there’s a Mexican holiday that is gaining popularity in the United States, thanks in part to the Pixar movie Coco. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition that celebrates the lives of departed friends and family. Like many Mexican holidays, food plays a major part in Dia de Muertos. Marigolds, butterflies and skulls are other common symbols of the holiday.
Dia de los Muertos takes place on Nov. 1 and 2, and it is a way to honor and remember family and friends who have passed on. An altar is built, and the deceased person’s favorite foods are cooked and left on the altar. The family goes away and upon returning, they will find that the food has lost its flavor; a sure sign that the spirit of their deceased loved one has visited and feasted upon their favorites.
Pan de muerto is Day of the Dead bread; it’s a special sweet bread baked for the holiday, to share with family and leave as an offering. There are many recipes online for Pan de Muerto, or you can head to Leonardo’s Market & Taqueria in Kimball Junction. They will have pan de muerto available through the holiday.
Dos Olas Cantina will reopen from their fall break with a Dia de los Muertos celebration. Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 31 through Saturday, Nov. 4. They will offer a $45, 3-course tasting menu, specialty cocktails and a community ofrenda.
The Park City Library will also have an ofrenda, where members of the community can share a memory or draw a picture of a loved one. The library ofrenda will be available through Nov. 3.
