In Mexican culture, October 27 holds a deeply meaningful place within the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. While November 1st and 2nd are traditionally reserved for remembering loved ones who have passed, October 27 is a special day dedicated to the spirits of our animal companions—a day to welcome back the pets who once filled our lives with love, laughter, and comfort. 

At Toronto Humane Society, we know that the bond between humans and animals transcends time. Our pets may no longer walk beside us, but their presence remains deeply felt—and this day offers a beautiful opportunity to honour that connection. 

We share this tradition in the spirit of respect and learning, recognizing its deep roots in Mexican Indigenous and Catholic cultures. Día de Muertos is a sacred celebration of remembrance, not a costume or aesthetic, and we encourage readers to honour it with care and understanding. 

The Origins of October 27 and Día de Muertos

Día de Muertos originates from Indigenous Mesoamerican traditions, which over time interwove with Catholic beliefs brought by Spanish colonizers. Rather than mourning death, the day celebrates the ongoing relationship between the living and those who have passed. 

On October 27, families create space in their homes and hearts to invite back the spirits of their beloved pets—a day filled with warmth, gratitude, and memory. 

How to Create an Ofrenda (Altar) for Your Pet

An ofrenda, or “offering,” is a beautifully decorated altar meant to welcome spirits home. If you wish to respectfully participate or learn more, here are ways you might create an ofrenda inspired by this tradition.

Choose a Meaningful Spot: Select a peaceful space where you can safely place candles, flowers, and keepsakes—perhaps near a photo of your pet or where they loved to rest.

Add Their Photo: Place a photo of your pet at the heart of your altar. If you don’t have one, draw or paint their likeness, or simply write their name surrounded by paw prints or hearts.

Include Their Favourite Things: Add items that remind you of your pet—like their collar, tag, a favourite toy, or a small treat. For birds, rabbits, or reptiles, include their favourite foods or textures.

Use Traditional Elements

• Candles to light their way home. 
• Marigolds (cempasúchil), whose bright colour and scent are said to guide spirits back. 
• Water to refresh them after their long journey. 
• Pan de muerto, a symbolic bread often shared on ofrendas for all visiting spirits.

Add a Personal Touch: Write a note or letter to your pet, share a memory, or play a sound they loved. You can also light a candle while saying their name—a gentle way to mark their presence.

Many of these traditions are lovingly kept alive by Mexican and Mexican-Canadian communities today. No matter if your pet was by your side for months or many years, their love leaves a lasting imprint on your heart. On October 27, take a quiet moment to celebrate the joy, comfort, and companionship they shared with you. In remembering them, we honor their spirit and cherish the enduring bond that connects humans and animals, across time and space.