Celebrating Ancestry and Inclusion in the Workplace
Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is observed on November 1 and 2 across Mexico and in many Latinx communities worldwide. Rooted in Indigenous traditions blended with Catholic observances, it’s a vibrant celebration of life and death. Families honor ancestors with ofrendas (altars), marigolds, food, and music, affirming that those we’ve lost remain with us in memory and spirit. In workplaces, recognizing Día de Muertos offers a way to respect cultural heritage, foster belonging, and honor intergenerational connection.
Looking for a quick, actionable way to acknowledge Día de Muertos? This post gives you a fast, DIY DEI tip you can apply right now.
Why This Holiday Matters
Día de Muertos can be more than colorful skulls and parades. Here’s how it connects to inclusion at work:
✅ It validates cultural traditions often misunderstood or commercialized.
✅ It provides space to honor grief, memory, and the whole human experience.
✅ It highlights intergenerational values, bridging family, culture, and work.
✅ It reminds teams that honoring ancestry strengthens identity and belonging.
Centering this holiday at work deepens respect for Latinx culture while creating space for reflection and community.
One Inclusive Celebration Idea
Host a “Legacy & Lessons” Reflection Circle.
Here’s how:
Invite employees to bring a photo, story, or object that represents someone they’ve lost who shaped their values.
Provide prompts like:
- What lesson from this person continues to guide you?
- How do you honor their memory in daily life?
Decorate the space with marigolds or candles to symbolize remembrance.
This activity balances celebration and reflection—allowing people to share (or simply listen) with respect, care, and authenticity.
Ready for More?
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Pause & Reflect
How can your workplace honor cultural traditions like Día de Muertos without reducing them to decoration or stereotypes?
