With October coming to a close, many are saddened about the end of the Halloween season, but for Hispanic families, an even bigger celebration is about to begin.

Dia de Los Muertos, sometimes known as the Day of the Dead, is a Hispanic holiday that celebrates loved ones who have passed. It is believed that on November 1st and 2nd, the spirits of those who have passed on can return to their families and visit.

The holiday is mostly celebrated by building altars in homes or in graveyards. The alters consist of photos of loved ones who have passed and small items or food that symbolize the person.

For instance, Edgar Anzaldo, a 10th-grade student at Alton High school,  explained how he puts bottles of coca-cola on his grandfather’s altar since his grandfather used to love this kind of soda.

Lexie Davis, a fellow 10th-grade student at our school, says that to her the holiday is significant to her culture and family, and appreciates how it gives her something to believe in for the afterlife. “Something I really like about the holiday is I get to see family I don’t see all the time, and it really reminds me how important love and family are,” she said.

Both Davis and Anzaldo feel that the celebration brings them closer to their families and culture and look forward to the holiday every year.

Dia de Los Muertos has only in recent years been more noticeable in pop culture and many feel this to be a positive change as it brings more spotlight onto different cultures and their holidays.

Dia de Los Muertos has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years and is still one of the most popular Hispanic holidays that is celebrated worldwide.