Día de Muertos, one of the most famous Mexican traditions around the world, is almost here, so this is a good time to check out some interesting facts about this vibrant celebration.
The Origins of Dia de Muertos
The origins of Día de Muertos date back to the pre-Columbian era. from the beginning, food was essential. Before the arrival of the Spanish, the indigenous people of Mexico prepared different types of food offerings for the gods. After the colonization of Mexico, all those offerings were merged into a single type of food: the pan de muerto we know today.
A Dia de Muertos Menu
While pan de muerto is the most iconic food associated with Dia de Muertos, there are other dishes Mexicans love to consume this time of the year, including:
- Calabaza en tacha (pumpkin cooked in brow sugar cane syrup)
- Tamales
- Mole
- Atole (hot beverage made with masa)
- Pozole (hominy stew)
Altares de Muerto
Food is fundamental to Dia de Muertos for many reasons. First off, Mexicans look forward to October-November as the only time of the year when they can enjoy delicacies such as pan de muerto o calaveritas de azucar (tiny skulls made of sugar and decorated with joyful colors and patterns).
But food is key for another, more spiritual reason. Mexicans believe that the souls of the deceased are allowed to come back to Earth during Dia de Muertos, and what best way to celebrate them than with their favorite food?
That’s why altares de muertos, altars for the dead set up during Dia de Muertos, are filled with the favorite food of the person (or people) to whom the altar is dedicated.
More Interesting Facts About Mexican Food
If you are hungry for more stories and facts about Mexican food, then check out these previous posts:
- Mexican food in space: 3 facts you probably didn’t know
- Which is the best part of the Chicken?
- 8 Interesting facts about tacos
- What is the best taco topping?
Enjoy Authentic Mexican Food at El Pollo Norteño!
Looking for authentic Mexican food to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day in, Anaheim, Santa Ana, or Garden Grove? Then El Pollo Norteño is the place to go.
Visit today any of our four locations (Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove), order online, get in touch through Facebook, or call 866-MI-POLLO to enjoy our authentic Mexican dishes: amazing chicken grilled to perfection over real Mesquite charcoal, caldo de pollo, flan, carnitas, carne asada, and more!