As Día de los Muertos approaches, bakeries in and around Portland are preparing pan de muerto — the beloved pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread) that’s essential to the celebration. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, takes place Nov. 1-2, honoring the spirits of the dead who are believed to return for a brief reunion with their loved ones. Myriad vibrant traditions and symbols have become a part of the holiday, including the creation of ofrendas, or altars, to honor loved ones who have died. Among the offerings placed on these altars is pan de muerto, a sweet, round bread typically topped with sugar or sesame seeds. Check out the link in our bio for some local places offering pan de muerto. 📸: Chiara Profenna #pandemuerto #diadelosmuertos #dayofthedead #theoregonian #oregon #portland #portlandoregon