The Day of the Dead is an ancestral tradition that combines Indigenous roots with Catholic influences brought by the Spanish colonizers.

In Western culture, of which we are part, time is perceived as linear: the past does not return. In contrast, in pre-Hispanic cultures — such as the Mexica, Inca, and Maya — time was not conceived as an arrow moving toward the future, but as a cycle that repeats itself. Life and death were not opposites, but phases of the same process of transformation.

On the other hand, All Saints’ Day is a Christian celebration held every Nov. 1.

Its origin dates back to the early centuries of Christianity, when the Church dedicated a special day to honor all saints and martyrs — known or unknown — who have reached holiness and live in the presence of God.

In the Catholic tradition, this is a day of joy and hope, celebrating the victory of life over death. It does not focus on sorrow for those who have passed, but on the belief that they are now in divine light.

In Latin America, over time, this feast merged with ancient Indigenous beliefs about the return of souls, giving rise to the Day of the Dead, celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2 — a commemoration that carries a more personal and symbolic tone.

Today, the Day of the Dead represents memory, love, and the certainty that life continues beyond death.

The Health Partnership, in collaboration with Latin Alliance, Riverside Café, The Craig Chamber of Commerce, Moffat County School District, The Social Senior Center, and Memorial Regional Health, has prepared two community altars to honor our loved ones.

In Steamboat Springs, an altar at Bud Werner Memorial Library, 1289 Lincoln Ave., is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day through Sunday.

Craig Chamber of Commerce hosts the Craig altar, open the same hours Friday through Sunday at 775 Yampa Ave.

Candle lighting ceremonies will be at 4 p.m. Saturday in Steamboat and at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Everyone is warmly invited to visit, remember, and celebrate together this tradition that unites our roots and our hearts.

En Español: Todos están cordialmente invitados a visitar, recordar y celebrar juntos esta tradición que une nuestras raíces y corazones.