All Souls Day, or Dia de los Muertos, is a significant holiday in El Salvador held on November 2nd, which offers a time for citizens to remember deceased loved ones. It’s an integral part of El Salvador's culture, meshing indigenous and Catholic traditions that date back for centuries. For Salvadorans, it is not a day of sadness but of remembrance, appreciation and affection towards those who have passed away.
On this day, Salvadoran families come together for a vital part of the festivities; visiting the graves of their lost relatives. They deck gravesites with flowers such as marigolds, which are believed to attract spirits. Many people also light candles, leave favorite foods of the deceased on their graves, and participate in other family traditions. Many Salvadorans take this day off work to spend at the cemetery, turning the usually quiet areas vibrant with the colors and tastes of life.
The public spaces and homes in El Salvador are often filled with Altars or 'Ofrendas', a traditional decoration specifically for All Souls Day. These altars are filled with photos of deceased loved ones, accompanied by their favorite food, drink, and personal belongings. The altars may also have a cross and candles. The elaborate decorations and festivities ultimately aim to celebrate the lives of the departed and keep their memories alive among those still on Earth.