Mexico's Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life Through Stories and Photos

by Luisa Navarro

Genres: History, Latinx, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Luisa Navarro is a Mexican-American journalist, author, and entrepreneur located in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from Columbia Journalism School in 2013 and working in both local and national newsrooms as a producer, Luisa realized there was a constant negative theme being shared by the media when it came to Mexico. Luisa decided to combat this negative press by launching her own blog called “Mexico In My Pocket” in 2015. The blog has grown into a lifestyle brand and gift shop, and a resource where people from all over the world can come together and celebrate Mexican culture. . In her first book, “Mexico’s Day of the Dead,” she guides readers through the rich traditions of Día de Muertos, from breaking down the holiday’s iconic imagery to what goes into an altar. Tales from her travels are brought to life by photography from Christine Chitnis. When Luisa isn’t traveling to Mexico, she enjoys being home in Brooklyn with her husband, Rich, and her son, Luca. You can follow Luisa’s journey at @mexicoinmypocket and @luisafnavarro on Instagram.

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received my book a few days ago, and after reading the first couple of chapters, I was moved to tears. Luisa’s message about celebrating our loved ones, even when they are no longer physically here, really touched me. I thought about how much love and thought went into making Día de Muertos something that’s not only seen but also truly understood.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death. Even though it is called "Day of the Dead" which you would think is a sad thing this book demonstrates more the celebration of a life after a loved dies. And I can imagine it is a very healing ritual that takes place through the process of making a two-tiered altar or a three-tiered altar or even a seven-tiered altar for that person. The levels of a 7-story altar include (descending) the saint (picture), souls (water), purification (salt), bread (pan de muerto), food (favorite dishes and fruits), photos, and a cross (made of seeds fruits flowers or candles). The day is celebrated on November 1st and November 2nd usually. Elements of the altar are alebrijes (spirit animals), arch, candles, copal (incense), dirt or ash, empty chair, flowers (marigold or cockscomb), food and drinks, hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, palo santo (incense), pan de muerto (bread), papel picado (colorful garland), personal items, photographs, rug, saints and religious symbols, salt, skeletons, sugar skulls, tablecloth, water and xoloitzcuintle (Mexican spirit dog).

[Diane Ropelewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Day of the Dead is a well written and informative book about a celebration in Mexico to honor and remember those loved ones who have passed away. The traditions and activities performed by family members are detailed. One of the traditions many families follow is to construct an alter in the home with offerings that were relevant to the loved one's life. Examples are foods the deceased loved and objects that were important to him or her. Each offering or ofrenda is explained in detail.
The colors of the celebration are named and also the meaning behind each color. Many beautiful photographs are included.
There are instructions on how to make three of the items that are commonly made for the celebration. These are sugar skulls, bread, (pan de muerto) and papel picado. (a decoration made out of colored paper)
This is an excellent book as a gift for an educator, as well as to own for yourself. You could follow some of the traditions in the book or use it as a guide to develop your own ideas for a remembrance.

[Jesse | jessereviewsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introductory book that explains the meaning and the beauty behind the Day of the Dead tradition in Mexico. Through personal stories Luisa Navarro is able to share a bit of her family's history while also discussing the many sights, tastes, and smells of the various traditions that surround Dia de Muertos. The photography all throughout the book really enhances and shows the beauty that surrounds the holiday. This is a great little book if you want to learn more about the special holiday that honors our ancestors.

[Saffron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful in both style and sentiment. The author writes a letter to her current and future family members so that they can know about their ancestors and family traditions, yet it is done in a way that is still inviting to a broader audience. It is very well researched and the pictures included are beautiful. I want one for my classroom and one for my home.

[Elisa Farrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am unfortunately a No Sabo kid. I’m on a journey to know more of the culture I am descended from but was not raised in. This is a lovely book with gorgeous pictures to learn and admire.

[Kathy Wine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful beautiful book. Thank you Luisa for sharing your family and heritage with us. Knowing you and your family all these years just makes it that much more special. Congratulations well done. ♥️

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. The content was good, but the photos were a feast for the eyes. It will help in setting up an altar.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** 394.266 journal, memoir, how-to