In celebration of Dia de los Muertos, you are invited to “throw down the burdens of time and reason” and partake of a three-course traditional Mexican feast, each course paired with premium hand-bottled tequila. 

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a celebration that takes place mostly in Mexico, but is celebrated throughout the world. It is a time in which the spirits of those who have passed are remembered and celebrated. It is believed that the spirits of the dead come to visit their families at this time. Traditions include the cleaning of the graves and the construction of altars. The altars are decorated with flowers, fruits, photographs, etc. Food is offered to the dead and varies according region, age and favorites of the spirits. A traditional offering is the Pan de Muerto which is a bread made from egg dough. Sugar candies with skull designs are also popular. In some areas of Oaxaca and Michoacán, bakers shape the bread to resemble humans or animals. The dead receive the finest foods which include molés and tamales. The spirits also drink their favorite beverages, whether soft drinks, coffee, chocolate, beer, or tequila. Some people maintain that the level of the liquid decreases overnight, showing that the dead do indeed return to share in the feast. 

It might sound somewhat morbid, but during this time, people react to death with mourning along with happiness and joy. They reflect their fear by mocking and living alongside death. Many euphemisms are used for death, La calaca (the skeleton), la pelona ("baldy"), la flaca ("skinny"), and la huesada ("bony"). There are refranes, sayings, and poems that are popular with day of the dead. For example "La muerte es flaca y no puede conmigo" means "Death is skinny/weak and she can't carry me." Calaveras (skulls) are decorated with bright colors with the name of the departed inscribed on the head. Children carrying yellow marigolds enjoy the processions to the cemetery. At the cemetery, music is played and dances are made to honor the spirits. Death is a celebration of Life in Mexico. This menu focuses on traditional dishes from the state of Oaxaca while using as many local and organic ingredients as possible. The diversity of local agriculture and the Morgantown Farmers Market makes it possible to prepare international food while utilizing primarily local sources. Our Dia de los Muertos Celebration was one of the first and perennial favorites at Solera Café, and has carried through from Richwood Grill to become a Morgantown tradition.