Kirsten A day to remember our pets who’ve crossed the rainbow bridge.
Each year from the 27th of October to the 2nd of November, families in Mexico celebrate Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, a beautiful tradition that honours loved ones who have passed away. While many people know the holiday through the Disney Pixar film Coco, at its heart it is about love, memory, and connection, including the special bond we share with our pets.
October 27th – Day of the animals
The celebrations begin on the 27th of October, known as Día de los Animales, or the Day of the Animals. This day is dedicated to remembering beloved pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, horses, and all animals who once shared our homes and hearts.
It is believed that on this day the spirits of animals return to visit their families, guided by the light of candles and the scent of marigold petals. The bright orange cempasúchil flower, known as the flower of the dead, plays a special role. Its petals are scattered in paths or circles, helping guide returning souls back to their homes. The belief is that animals follow the scent and colour of these flowers, finding their way back to those who loved them.
Some say you might feel a gentle brush of fur against your leg, hear the faint jingle of a collar, or simply sense their presence nearby. These moments are seen as signs that our pets’ spirits have come home for a short time to visit, to comfort, and to remind us that love never truly fades.
Families often prepare small ofrendas, or offerings, for their pets. These may include a photo, a treat, a toy, a collar, or even a small bowl of water to refresh their spirit after the long journey from the other side.
It is a heartfelt way to say, “You’re still part of our family, and you are remembered.”
The meaning behind the days
After the 27th of October, each day honours different souls who have passed.
28 October: For those who passed away suddenly or tragically
29 October: For forgotten souls with no one left to remember them
30 October: For lost or unbaptised children
31 October: For children and young animals who passed too soon
1–2 November: For adults, ancestors, and all spirits
While these days are rooted in human remembrance, many people now include their pets in the entire week of offerings, recognising that animals, too, are family and deserve to be remembered with the same love and respect.
Creating an Ofrenda for your pet
An “ofrenda” is a Spanish word for ‘offering’ or ‘altar’. You don’t need to be in Mexico to take part in this loving ritual. Creating a small pet altar at home is a simple and meaningful way to honour your companion’s memory.
Here are a few ideas:
- Place your pet’s photo alongside a candle or tea light
- Add flowers, especially marigolds or anything bright and cheerful
- Include one of their favourite toys, collar, or blanket
- Offer a treat they loved, or a small dish of water
- Write a note or message expressing what they meant to you
- Create a dedicated space for your pets urn or memorial statue
You might also sprinkle a few flower petals to create a small path leading to the altar, symbolising the route their spirit can follow to find you.
If you have collected fur clippings or paw prints for memorial keepsakes, this is the perfect time to bring them out and reflect on your pet’s life and the love you shared.
@t.d.craig
Thank you, especially to the Latino community for sharing your cultural traditions and encouraging us to participate without judgement. It’s such a beautiful tradition.
What Coco taught the world
The film Coco helped many people outside Mexico understand Día de Muertos, showing that remembering those we have lost isn’t about sadness but about keeping their memory alive. The same message applies to our pets. As long as we speak their names, display their photos, and share stories of the joy they brought, they continue to live on in our hearts.
A celebration of love and loyalty
Día de Muertos reminds us that love doesn’t end when life does. For those of us who have said goodbye to a pet, The 27th of October is a chance to pause and honour them, not with sorrow but with gratitude for the joy, loyalty, and unconditional love they gave us.
Whether you light a candle, set up a small altar, or simply share a memory, this day is a gentle reminder that our pets’ spirits never truly leave us. They return each year to visit, to bring comfort, and to remind us that love, the kind we share with our animals, is eternal.
