I’m not going to lie, I just really wanted an excuse to talk about cigars and Día de los Muertos.

Día de los Muertos is basically the one holiday where it’s socially acceptable to party with the dead…and they expect you to bring snacks*

*Good snacks. Not that crap you have been leaving for Santa. 

It’s not spooky, it’s sentimental flair. Think marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, and your favorite tequila, all on the same table.

It’s a mix of honoring the past and throwing a killer reunion for people who can’t RSVP (you know…cuz they are dead). Forget mourning, this is about remembering with flavor and fire.

So, to me, it just feels like cigars would fit right in. There are just too many similarities between us and those that celebrate Día de los Muertos.

Stay with me…

They have candles.
We have torches. Sure, different purpose, but the same idea. Both start the party with fire.

They make altars for the departed.
We build humidors for dead tobacco — cedar-lined, temperature-controlled monuments to the things we love.

They offer food to honor their ancestors.
We order wings and Uber Eats to honor our lack of meal planning.

They decorate with marigolds.
We decorate with ash. [Side Note: Both end up covering the table by the end of the night.]

They tell stories of those who’ve passed.
We tell stories about “that one time in Nicaragua” until someone finally stops pretending to be impressed.

They use sugar skulls.
We….ummm…we use cutters shaped like skulls? I’m really reaching here.

They drink tequila and mezcal.
Cigar smokers will drink anything.

They celebrate the circle of life.
We celebrate the smoke rings.

They believe the spirits visit once a year.
We believe that guy who finally brings his own lighter and cutter should be sainted.

Yep…I think there is a lot to unpack here. Much easier than National Cookie Day was to tie into a cigar ritual.