---
title: Typical Food for the Celebration of the Day of the Dead
description: What food is typical of this Mexican celebration? Find traditional dishes as well as brand new ideas here!
---

[Eventos Casa Sauza ](https://www.casasauza.com/en/blog)

# [Typical Food for the Celebration of the Day of the Dead](https://www.casasauza.com/en/blog/typical-food-celebration-day-dead)

 Written by [Chef Karla Irlette Castro Reynoso](https://www.casasauza.com/en/blog/author/chef-karla-irlette-castro-reynoso) | Jan 19, 2022 12:01:09 AM

We are at the end of October and the **excitement** and the characteristic smell of the *cempasúchil* flower, *pan de muerto** and hot chocolate, all typical of the tradition that is closest to our roots, is in the air.

## **Day of the Death in Mexico**

In this traditional Mexican celebration, we don't commemorate won battles, births, or memorable days, no. In this day, Mexico dresses up again with folklore and tradition, since on this day, **we celebrate death being part of life**, and honor all of our deceased loved ones.

The Day of the Dead is a tradition of **pre-Hispanic origin.** In fact, there is a record of such celebrations in the *Maya*, *Totonaca* and *Purépecha* ethnic groups. This celebration is considered an **Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity** by the UNESCO, and it's celebrated on **November 1st and 2nd,** although its preparations begin during mid-October.

During these days, Mexican families wait-for and honor the souls of their loved ones that have already left them. It's customary to bring music to the graves, make ***altares de muerto*** (altars/offerings) and of course, entertain those spirits that come to visit with the dishes and foods that they liked best.

Our **gastronomy**, as in many of our traditions, **is key to this celebration.** Not only it "dresses up" but also, expresses a lot of tradition and history. In some homes it's still customary to prepare stews as a family, it's actually one of the ways in which **our recipes pass from generation to generation**, by preparing typical dishes, but using unique family recipes.

### **Traditional Dishes**

Traditional dishes are prepared, such as:

1. Chicken ***mukibil.*** *Mukibil* is a kind of big tamale, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground, in a dug down oven.
2. ****Pan de muertos,*** or bread of the dead, is a kind of bread that is only made during this season. It was made by the ancient Mesoamericans with corn but, with the arrival of the Spaniards, new ingredients came -such as wheat- and it was with these new ingredients that the production of this bread evolved to become what we now know as *pan de muerto*.
3. Another typical dish for this season is **mole** (sauce made with cocoa and spices)
4. A very characteristic drink of this celebration is **hot chocolate**, which can't be left behind when eating *pan de muerto*. It can be made with water or milk. This drink also evolved with the arrival of the Spaniards, since it was formerly prepared with water, chili and roasted cocoa.

### **Sugar *Calaveritas* (Skulls)**

A sweet flavor that keeps our tradition alive and is a perfect example of our miscegenation, are sugar *claveritas*. The *calaveritas* come from **pre-Hispanic times **and were used in the *tzompantli* (altar used in Mesoamerican cultures, decorated with human skulls, to honor their gods) as a tribute. Death was considered as the end of a stage of life, so skulls were kept as trophies and used in the *tzompantli* as ornaments.

With the arrival of the **Spaniards**, the rituals were **banned** because they went against the Catholic religion but, given the resistance of the people, they had to be **replaced by others**. The Spaniards already celebrated the day of the Faithful Deceased and they made some adjustments so that this celebration could go on. One of these adjustment was to **replace the human skulls with skulls made with amaranth grain** -or *huazontle-* and blood. These are *quelites* (like amaranth) were used as an offering to the dead.

With the passing of time, the technique evolved until it reached the ***alfeñique***, which is a kind of caramel made with cane sugar. These days, *calaveritas* are offered as a **gift** during this season. The name of the person to whom it'll be given, is recorded on the forehead of this sugar skulls. They are also used as **decoration** and as an **offering** on the altars.

## **Sauza Celebrates this Tradition**

This is how the **combination of cultures** turned into our very famous and traditional **Day of the Dead**. You can't miss experiencing this day with us and trying unique dishes of this season at *[La Cueva de Don Cenobio](https://www.casasauza.com/events-blog/cueva-don-cenobio-restaurant-quinta-sauza-tequila?hsLang=en)* restaurant, as they are:

- **Domo de cempasúchil **(dessert with *cempasúchil* flower)

- ***Pan de muerto***
- *Bendita maldición negra* **cocktail**. (Blessed black curse)

- Our *cempasúchil* and *huazontle* ***cantaritos*** and ***margaritas***

Last but not least, end this day's experience in Sauza with a homemade *pan de muerto*, served with a **hot chocolate with flamed marshmallows and amaranth.**

 

Click on the following image for more information on our celebration:

[View full post](https://www.casasauza.com/en/blog/typical-food-celebration-day-dead)

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