Halloween has become a huge celebration among many. Though many do not agree with Halloween and believe it is an evil celebration, there are those who religiously dress up and go trick-or-treating. While Halloween has been celebrated for many years by the American public, the indigenous holiday, Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the dead) has been overlooked in California, although Latinos make up 37.6% to 40% of the population. 

Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) originated in Mexico and was celebrated by the indigenous people before the Spanish conquest.  In Mexico, relatives of those deceased come to the gravesite to decorate their altar with Papel Picado, marigold flowers and sugar skulls. They bring food such as Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead) or those who passed favorite foods. The relatives and friends also bring toys for the children who have passed. They believe their souls will come back and be with their loved ones. This celebration last two days and it is a time to remember those who have passed on and to ensure that they will never be forgotten.

On the other hand, Halloween is a celebration that originated from the Celts who celebrated the end of summer and created a harvest festival. Most of these practices involved superstition. They also believed those who have died would come back and roam the streets at night. Some believed those sprits were not so friendly so they would leave out gifts and treats to ensure next year’s crops. This custom is now known as trick-or-treating.                          

Halloween and Dia de los Muertos are two completely different celebrations. One consists of dressing up and going from house to house to receive candy and the other consists of the celebration and mourning of those who have passed on.