This is more of a cultural appropriation question. I want to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos this year. My father is white, and my mother is half-Mexican/half-white. My parents did not raise me or teach me about Mexican culture as I grew up. I grew up in a white cultured household. However, in the past few years I have come to strongly identify with my heritage. Would it be inappropriate for me to celebrate this holiday when I was not raised in the culture, even though I identify with it?

I would encourage anyone who wants to learn about Dia de los Muertos to learn about it, and since you have Mexican heritage you can celebrate it if you want to.

To use a personal example, my mom is Mexican and my dad is half Mexican and half white. My mom was raised in a very strict Catholic family and she wasn’t allowed to celebrate DdlM, so now she’s kind of scared of it. (she thinks doing all the traditions, like making big elaborate shrines, will make you go to hell…) My dad on the other hand is really into it, and he’s the one who taught me about DdlM. Even though we can’t do everything, we still make pan del muertos and other traditional foods every year which is awesome. If you want to celebrate DdlM in your own way I encourage you to do so, just make sure you do your research on it.

-Allyssa