Rev. Michelle's Message October 30, 2025

Day of the Dead for Pets?

Every year the celebration of Day of the Dead seems to just get bigger and bigger. Once practiced mostly among the indigenous populations in Mexico, Day of the Dead is now a huge holiday all over Mexico, the United States, and even some Central American countries. I call it the “Coco Effect.” Ever since Coco, the Disney movie that beautifully depicts this fascinating tradition, came out in 2017, Day of the Dead has simply exploded. And in a strange turn of fate, a Hollywood production has had the unexpected, but undoubtedly positive, effect of re-introducing many people to the ancient celebrations of their ancestors.

One of the many ways Day of the Dead has expanded is that people are now celebrating October 27th as a special day to honor our pets who have died. I personally think this is a beautiful way to celebrate this holiday as for so many of us, our pets are such important parts of our families and bring so much love and joy to our lives.

Here is a sweet video about Day of the Dead for pets to give you a sense of how this holiday can be celebrated. Even though October 27 has already passed this year, it’s never too late to create a small altar of remembrance for your pets in your own home and take some time to honor their beloved memory.

https://youtu.be/DNV8d81req4?si=8k9iy2Gdo-QS34dQ

I am so looking forward to celebrating Day of the Dead with you this Sunday at our annual Remembrance and Candle-lighting Ceremony, followed by a delicious Mexican feast. I absolutely love celebrating this holiday with all of you each year, hearing all the beautiful stories about your loved ones, seeing our vibrant altar covered in precious photographs, and learning the sacred practice of grieving together in community.

Blessings of Remembrance,

Rev. Michelle