15+ of the Most Stunning Costumes Celebrating Día de los Muertos This Year

Dia De Los Muertos Women from r/pics

From October 31 to November 2, Mexico celebrates one of its most historically and culturally important events, Día de los Muertos (aka Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead). This three-day affair is held to honor those who have died. People across the country commemorate the fête in different ways, but it generally revolves around an altar that's filled with food, stylized skeletons, and other offerings. In addition to the shrine, many folks choose to dress as Calaveras, or sugar skulls, to celebrate the holiday. They go all out in their dress to create elaborate costumes you won't soon forget.

To resemble Calaveras, people paint their faces white and accent them with drawings of colorful flowers and other decorative motifs. But that's not the only option; some prefer a monochromatic approach and keep their faces white, black, and gray. Whatever the look they are going for, there are almost always black lines painted over the lips and dark rings around the eyes to resemble a skull. From there, bright outfits and elaborate headdresses are worn to accentuate the ensemble.

Beyond all of the color and spectacle, however, there are undertones of homage to those who have passed. “Every detail was made with tons of love and in honor of all the people I’ve lost in my life,” Lily Martinez explains in an Instagram post. “Every stitch is a reminder of how much I wish these people were here with us and how much I miss them.”

Scroll down to see some of the most beautiful Día de los Muertos costumes.

Costumes are part of the Día de los Muertos celebration. Scroll down for some of the best ensembles from 2019.

Costumes for both Dia de Muertos as well as for the arrival of the monarch butterflies reaching their overwintering habitat in Mexico. Some believe these migrating pollinators carry the souls of departed loved ones returning for the celebrations. from r/pics

Day of the Dead makeup, Mexico from r/pics

Day of the dead family picture. from r/pics

 

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A post shared by Eduardo Alfaro Mellado (@eduardo_alfaro_mellado) on Nov 2, 2019 at 8:01pm PDT

 

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A post shared by Jacqueline Huizar (@jayylivefastdiepretty) on Nov 2, 2019 at 8:45pm PDT

 

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A post shared by JULIE SARIÑANA (@sincerelyjules) on Nov 5, 2019 at 7:39am PST

 

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A post shared by Lily Martinez (@lilylove213) on Nov 3, 2019 at 2:49pm PST

 

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A post shared by Shanna Cistulli (@shannacistulli) on Nov 3, 2019 at 5:54pm PST

 

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