What holiday is central to the plot of Coco?

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is central to Coco’s plot.

Miguel’s adventure begins during the holiday, when his family prepares an ofrenda, or altar, with photographs and offerings for deceased relatives. After Miguel takes Ernesto de la Cruz’s guitar, he becomes caught between the world of the living and the Land of the Dead. He must receive a family blessing before sunrise to return home.

The holiday is traditionally observed on November 1 and 2, with local variations. It is a time for families to remember and honor people who have died, not simply a frightening celebration of ghosts. Coco uses marigold petals, papel picado, candles, food, music, and photographs to dramatize these ideas.

Día de los Muertos is often incorrectly treated as the Mexican equivalent of Halloween. The two holidays can overlap in date and share some imagery, but their customs and meanings differ. The film’s emotional theme is remembrance: people continue to exist in family memory.