Latino Funeral Traditions: Velorio, Novena, and Remembrance Beyond Día de Muertos

Many people know one Latin American remembrance tradition, Día de los Muertos, a celebration of the dead centered on the first two days of November. But Latino families also mark death through a much wider set of customs: the wake, the rosary, the funeral Mass, and nine days of prayer afterward. This guide describes what published sources commonly report about those practices. A caution up front: “Latino” and “Hispanic” cover people from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central and South America, and elsewhere, with different histories and faiths, so these are patterns, not a rulebook.

Why do funerals matter so much?

Researchers describe funerals as a cornerstone of Latino grieving. An Arizona State University study of Latino families found that funerals and related cultural practices, such as burials, nine days of prayer, and Día de los Muertos ceremonies, offer important opportunities to grieve, receive social support, and begin to recover from a loss, and that when funerals met cultural and personal expectations during pandemic restrictions, mental-health outcomes were far better. A peer-reviewed study of ritual practices describes Latinos as mainly Catholic, with rituals that include novenas, Masses, and candle-lighting.

What are the common elements?

Time with the dying person. One writer describing Hispanic family traditions says it’s important for grandparents or parents to give their blessings to children and grandchildren before departing this world, and that it’s common to see dozens of people gathered at the hospital or home of the dying person. This is one person’s account, but it illustrates the role of the extended family.

The wake (velorio). A wake is held at the home of the person who died, at a funeral home, or at a church. The writer says it traditionally lasts throughout the night, with prayer of the rosary. A language-learning guide describes a velorio in Mexico at a funeral home that lasts from 12 to 24 hours, with a priest offering Mass during the wake and mourners reciting the rosary before and after the Mass. Practices differ by country and family.

Offering condolences (el pésame). The same guide says that when arriving at a wake, the first person to offer condolences to is typically the widow or widower, or the closest family. Condolences are often brief and warm, and it’s common to hug, to offer a few words, and to stay for a while.

The funeral Mass and burial. A Mass is held at a church with the body or ashes present. The Arizona study describes a typical Latino funeral as including a velorio, a nine-day period of prayer, and a burial that happens quickly, often within 24 hours of death. Not all families follow this timing, and local law, travel, and the wishes of relatives overseas may change it.

The novena (novenario). After the burial, many families hold nine days of prayers. The peer-reviewed study describes novenas for nine days, praying the rosary each day after the burial. A language guide describes a novenario as nine Masses held on nine consecutive days, and the writer describes friends and family gathering for the nine-day period of special prayers. The practice is rooted in early Christian custom of Masses held for nine days with devotional prayers for the deceased.

Later remembrance. The same study notes a Mass for the deceased on the person’s birthday and one year after the death, and the lighting of candles. See Catholic funeral traditions for background on the funeral Mass and rosary.

How do practices differ?

• By country and region. Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central American, and South American families have their own customs, such as different timing of the wake and the funeral, regional foods, music, and prayers
• By faith. Many Latino families are Catholic, but others are Protestant or evangelical, or hold other beliefs or none, with different services
• By generation and place. U.S.-born families may shorten the wake, hold it in a funeral home, or combine traditions with local practice
• By family. Some hold a lively gathering with food and music, while others keep it quiet

How can I be a respectful guest?

• Ask someone close to the family about timing, attire, and whether they welcome visitors at the wake or the nightly novena
• Come to the rosary or wake. You’re welcome to pray or to sit quietly; you don’t have to know the prayers
• Offer your condolences briefly and warmly
• Dress modestly in dark or subdued clothing, unless the family asks for something else
• Help in practical ways. Bring food, coffee, or flowers if appropriate, or help with the household
• Keep showing up. The nine days are a time when presence matters; visiting after the funeral is a meaningful act

For general guidance, see funeral etiquette: what to wear and say.

If you’re planning a Latino funeral

Talk with your parish, pastor, or faith leader about the wake, the Mass, and the novena, and with a funeral director about timing, a space for the rosary, whether the family wants to host visitors at home, and the logistics if relatives must travel from far away. If burial in another country is wanted, ask about repatriation early. Make sure elders know their wishes are being heard.

Add this to your Final Day Plan: your faith or parish, whether you want a wake and novena, who should lead the prayers, and any special songs, prayers, or foods.

Practices vary by community, tradition and family. Everendium provides general guidance and encourages families to consult their faith or community leaders where appropriate.