On November 2, we had the unique privilege of celebrating Día de Muertos with the indigenous Zapotec community of Teotitlán del Valle in Oaxaca, Mexico. Our friend and member of our Spanish-speaking network, Damián Gabino Jiménez Martínez, opened the doors of his family home to us, inviting us to be part of this beautiful tradition that honors those who have come before us. This experience allowed us to feel the essence of Día de Muertos within a Zapotec family and witness how deeply rooted this tradition is within the community.

Author: Laura Soto

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Damián, a young Indigenous leader, is already making a remarkable impact at just 23. A recent law graduate from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), he focuses on the legal protection of natural and protected areas. His passion for both his culture and his land is evident, and through his storytelling and hospitality, he shared with us the profound meaning of Día de Muertos as practiced in his Zapotec community.

Ancestral Wisdom and Family Connection

Damián shared memories of learning how to set up the ofrenda, or altar, from his grandmother when he was a child. Today, he carries on this tradition, carefully placing offerings for her and other loved ones who have passed. This act of setting up the ofrenda goes beyond tradition; it is a personal moment of remembrance, honoring his family and bringing their spirits back home for a short visit.

In communities like Teotitlán del Valle, Día de Muertos combines Indigenous and Spanish colonial traditions. Families place handmade beeswax candles on the ofrenda to guide the spirits back home, while the fragrant smoke of copal (a sacred resin) fills the air, symbolizing respect for the departed. Damián explained how the copal is offered to welcome the spirits upon arrival and again when it is time for them to leave, bringing a sense of completeness to the ritual.

The Ofrenda: A Labor of Love

Each item on the ofrenda is chosen with great care, reflecting the personal tastes and memories of the loved ones it honors. Damián’s family places water to refresh the spirits after their journey, and mezcal from the Sierra for a traditional toast. Chapulines (roasted grasshoppers) add a local touch, representing a beloved snack from the region. Fruits like bananas, oranges, apples, and chocolate are placed in abundance, each symbolizing a gift from the earth and the community.

In the early afternoon, they prepare tejate, a traditional drink made from maize, symbolizing nourishment and strength. Later, tamales and mole—a rich, flavorful dish made with dried chiles and chocolate—are placed on the ofrenda. These dishes, crafted from Indigenous ingredients, are a nod to Mexico’s cultural blend and an essential part of Día de Muertos.

Nature’s Role in This Sacred Tradition

Damián introduced us to Giee Tuugul, a local “flower of the dead” in Teotitlán del Valle, unique to the region. Unlike the well-known cempasúchil, this flower has delicate white petals and is part of the Stevia polycephala species, found only in Oaxaca. In order to preserve this delicate flower, only the local community is permitted to gather it, honoring the sacred connection between the people and their land. The white petals of Giee Tuugul are a gentle, guiding presence on the altar, helping the spirits find their way back to their loved ones.

Alongside Giee Tuugul, the family decorates the ofrenda with seasonal fruits, pomegranates, sugarcane, and Damián’s mother’s favorite flowers. Each item, whether grown from the family’s harvest or chosen for its cultural significance, speaks to the Zapotec’s intimate relationship with nature. This offering is a way of giving back to the earth while inviting loved ones to share in the community’s abundance and traditions.

A Tradition That Brings Us Together

During our virtual visit, Damián invited us to feel the presence of his ancestors as they returned home. Día de Muertos is a day when, according to Zapotec belief, the spirits journey back to spend time with their families. This powerful tradition serves as a reminder of the strong ties that connect us all, and the Zapotec view life and death as part of an ongoing cycle of connection, remembrance, and gratitude.

For the Meli network, sharing in this tradition was a meaningful experience. Día de Muertos brings Indigenous cosmology to the forefront, centering on respect for those who came before us and a deep commitment to the land and community. It’s a celebration of memory, of connection to family, and of love for the environment.

Damián’s community reminds us of the importance of honoring our roots and protecting our world for future generations. Día de Muertos teaches us that true celebration means respecting our past, cherishing our present, and embracing the future with hope. For us at Meli, this shared moment is a gift and an inspiration to continue building a future that values and uplifts the wisdom of Indigenous communities worldwide.