Lola's Cocina

Last Day of the Dead, I collaborated with my friend Marisa Morrison, founder of The Neon Tea Party, for her papel picado crafting workshop. She asked if I could lead the educational segment on this beautiful and intricate art form and provide an explanation of how it relates to Día de los Muertos. Following my research, I organized five fun facts and beautiful images of papel picado handcrafted by Yreina Flores, founder of Ay Mujer!, which I thought you might enjoy. Read More…

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican cultural tradition that I developed a deeper appreciation for as I learned more about the celebration’s meaning and significance. It is a tradition that bridges the past with the present, mocks death in a fun and festive way, and celebrates life. On this day, altars are erected and decked out to resurrect the memories of those who have passed away.

Every year, my altar only grows and grows as I honor my own loved ones who have passed: my father Jose Luis Luna Wiarco, my grandmother, my great grandparents, and my baby cousin Olivia. Now my son even helps decorate and I can only hope that he grows to appreciate this tradition as much as I do. On Day of the Dead, we acknowledge the spirits that are with us and allow them to fill our homes with the memories of the lives that they left behind. Read More…

Photo by Lola’s Cocina

On November 1st and 2nd, people in Mexico and throughout the world will celebrate the life of a loved one who has passed on. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is meant to be a joyous occasion that allows friends and relatives to reconnect both emotionally and spiritually, even if only for one evening.

Below are three fun Day of the Dead projects and tutorials from some of my favorite bloggers that may just motivate you to join in on this age-old tradition!

How to Make a Día de los Muertos Altar by Leslie Tellez, The Mija Chronicles: Understand the tradition of the altar, as well as the significance of different foods and offerings associated with it.

Photo by Leslie Tellez

Day of the Dead DIY Makeup Tutorial by Emily Pettiford and Jessica Turley, Bespoke Bride: Learn how to apply your sugar skull face paint with this step-by-step tutorial and video.

Photo by Bespoke Bride

Day of the Dead DIY Sugar Skull Piñata by Elexia de la Parra, Casa Artelexia: Brighten up your altar with this adorable piñata. This is a great project for kids!

Photo by Casa Artelexia

Learn more about Día de los Muertos:
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Altar Honoring Departed Loved Ones
Día de los Muertos Celebration

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is observed on November 1st and 2nd in Mexico and different parts of Latin America. It is a time of remembrance and allows people to honor those who have passed on, and also to symbolically await a visit from their souls.

Since moving to Old Town San Diego, I began the tradition of building an altar at home that honors my father who passed away in 2000. I now invite friends and family to share in the experience, which is quite therapeutic. The mood is festive as we celebrate the memory of loved ones through the sharing of food, drinks, and a story or two of days long past.  

Three foods traditionally associated with Day of the Dead include mole negro, hot chocolate, and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and different variations are staples on altars throughout Mexico. Read below for more on these three dishes and their significance. 

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