In Mexico, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a cherished tradition that honors the memory of loved ones who have passed. Over time, this tradition has evolved to include beloved pets, as people recognize the deep bond shared with animals. While most people honor their pets on October 27, there is another date designed to remember our furry friends. Learn more about this alternative Día de Muertos for pets and how it all began.
The Origins of Día de los Muertos for Pets
The idea of dedicating a special Día de los Muertos for pets only took root in recent years, sparked by an innovative advertising campaign in 2018.
A Mexican pet funeral company, Funeral Pet, launched a campaign proposing November 3 as a day to honor pets who have passed away. The campaign, titled “Los Invisibles” (The Invisibles), was developed with the creative agency Figallo No Format Agency. It emphasized remembering pets who are often overlooked—particularly stray dogs and cats that live and die without human companionship.
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The campaign sought to establish November 3 as a day to honor all pets, especially those without a home or family. Funeral Pet hoped this new date would invite people to honor animals who, while no longer physically present, were still beloved companions. The company’s proposal was primarily aimed at raising awareness about stray dogs and cats, those whose lives often end on the streets without recognition.
Why Do Most People Honor Their Pets on October 27?
Although Funeral Pet originally suggested November 3, over time, October 27 became the popular date for pet offerings. Many people felt that celebrating Día de los Muertos for pets before the main celebrations on November 1 and 2 allowed for a dedicated space to honor animals separately from human loved ones. This early date allows pet owners to focus exclusively on their furry companions, providing a distinct time to set up their altar without overlapping with human offerings.
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For those who couldn’t set up their pet altar on October 27, November 3 still offers an ideal opportunity to remember and honor these loyal friends. This later date is particularly meaningful for those wishing to remember animals who may have passed without a family or stable home.
Why November 3 is Special: Remembering Forgotten Pets
November 3, as proposed by Funeral Pet, isn’t only for family pets but is also intended as a day to remember stray animals and pets who may have passed unnoticed. The campaign highlighted the many animals, particularly dogs, that die on the streets after a life of hardship.
This alternative Día de los Muertos for dogs and cats is a chance to honor these “invisible” companions and to recognize the many lives lost without a voice or a place to be remembered. By remembering all pets on this date, people can honor the loyalty and love of animals both with and without homes.
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How to Prepare a Día de los Muertos Altar for Pets
Setting up a Día de los Muertos altar for pets can be a beautiful way to remember the joy they brought to your life. While a pet altar may follow the traditional style, it can be customized to reflect the unique bond you shared with your pet. Here are some essentials for a meaningful pet altar:
- Photos: Place a photo of your pet to bring their memory into the space.
- Candles: Candles light the way for souls to return, and can be chosen in colors that reflect your pet’s personality.
- Marigold Flowers: Known as “cempasúchil” in Spanish, these flowers guide souls with their scent and vibrant color.
- Food and Water: Set out your pet’s favorite treats, food, or water, offering them a final meal to enjoy.
- Toys and Personal Items: Include your pet’s favorite toys, collars, or any special items they cherished, making the altar a personal tribute.
- Copal Incense: Copal incense purifies the environment, creating a solemn space for remembrance.
This altar not only celebrates the life of your pet but also provides a symbolic connection to their spirit, honoring the unique memories shared.
The Deep Connection Between Dogs and Día de Muertos
In Mexican pre-Hispanic culture, dogs were considered crucial companions for the journey after death. According to ancient beliefs, Xoloitzcuintle dogs guided the souls of the deceased to the underworld, or Mictlán. The ancient practice involved burying the deceased with their dogs, symbolizing a lifelong bond that continued even after death. This tradition inspired the popular animated film “Coco,” in which the character Dante, a loyal Xoloitzcuintle dog, accompanies Miguel into the world of the dead.
Dante’s role reflects the enduring belief that dogs, particularly the Xoloitzcuintle breed, serve as guides for souls on their journey to the afterlife, bridging the worlds of the living and the dead.
Honoring Pets on Día de los Muertos: A Tradition That Expands
This emerging Día de Muertos for pets shows how traditions can grow to include all beloved members of the family, even those with fur, feathers, or scales. Whether you choose October 27 or November 3, each date offers a chance to honor and remember pets who have left their mark on our lives. With these altars, we celebrate both the joy pets brought and the deep love that endures beyond their passing.
