Whereas, on November 1 and 2 of each year, the United States celebrates All Souls’ Day, also known as Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, to honor friends, family members, and loved ones who have passed; Whereas Día de los Muertos includes traditions and rituals that trace their origins to diverse celebrations and beliefs held by pre-Hispanic cultures and indigenous groups of Mesoamerica; Whereas Día de los Muertos celebrations in pre-Hispanic times were led by the goddess Mictecacihuatl, known as Lady of the Dead , and the celebration lasted a month; Whereas after the Spanish arrived in Mexico and began converting the native peoples to Roman Catholicism, the holiday was moved to coincide with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day; Whereas the memory of loved ones is commemorated through a traditional altar containing ofrendas (offerings) and honoring their memory ensures they never cease to exist; Whereas Día de los Muertos allows individuals, families, and communities to mourn, reflect, and celebrate the universal experience of death, through their ancestors, loved ones, and the living; Whereas community events celebrate the memory of the departed and educate younger generations about cultural heritage; Whereas Día de los Muertos reinforces familial bonds and the importance of honoring one’s ancestry; Whereas Día de los Muetros emerged and gained prominence during the 1960s, symbolizing cultural pride, heritage, and resistance; Whereas the tradition of Día de los Muertos has grown in popularity across the United States, showcasing the vast influence of Mexican culture on American society; Whereas Latinos have played a pivotal role in enriching the cultural tapestry of the United States; Whereas the blending of traditions and shared celebrations exemplifies the unity and diversity that strengthen the United States as a Nation; Whereas Latinos account for 20 percent of the total United States population; Whereas Spanish is the most common language spoken behind English in the United States