As midnight on October 31 draws near, people everywhere prepare to celebrate Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead. This festive event is one of our favorite occasions at Mattito's. That's because we love any excuse to enjoy our favorite food and drinks while also sharing stories about our loved ones who have passed on.

The celebration of Dia de los Muertos can be traced back thousands of years. Its observance is closely connected to the Mexican tradition of choosing to celebrate the lives lived by those who have passed on rather than fearing death. To that end, the way that we celebrate the Day of the Dead now means plenty of festivity and fun rather than being a somber occasion.

From midnight on October 31 through November 2, those who observe the holiday believe that the souls of the departed are allowed to wander close to the places they once lived. To celebrate the homecoming, elaborate altars are constructed and special foods are prepared. It is during this holiday that pan de muerto is served and sugar skulls are used as decoration. Friends and family gather at the grave sites of deceased loved ones to drink, feast and tell tales that seem to bring the departed one back to life.

Celebrants leave la ofrenda, or offerings, at the cemetery. These are often preferred food and drinks that were a favorite of the loved one. These offerings are meant to draw the souls nearer while the colorful zempasuchitl, a yellow flower like a marigold, marks the pathway to the grave.

At Mattito's, we like to think we specialize in bringing families together every day. Whether it's the Day of the Dead or just an ordinary Tuesday, we'll always be offering superior food and drink in a convivial atmosphere.