Doritos Day of the Dead Commercial With Queer Couple Goes Viral

A new cartoon ad for Doritos Mexico has been released in time for Dia de Los Muertos -- the Day of the Dead. The commercial, which came out last week, already has more than 2.5 million views on YouTube. It features a family paying respects to their late uncle, who turns up with an unexpected guest.

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican and Latin American holiday observed November 1-2 that celebrates the memories of deceased loved ones.

In the ad, as the family steps toward an altar called an ofrenda, an older woman places a bowl of food on it. The woman then speaks in Spanish to a photo of an older man standing alone.

"Dearest brother, I miss you so much," the woman says, according to a translation provided by a Pride Media staff member.

The altar's orange glow from the candlelight turns blue, and a blue fog overtakes the ofrenda.

The family -- including a young woman snacking on Doritos -- looks surprised. The man in the photo appears to the family in front of the ofrenda, except now he has blue skin. The family welcomes him, calling him Uncle Alberto.

"Hello, family," Uncle Alberto says. "How is everyone?"

Another ghostly man appears from behind Uncle Alberto with Uncle Alberto smiling on.

One of the family members says, "Who is he?"

"He's Mario," Uncle Alberto tells them, "my partner." Uncle Alberto and Mario then hold hands and smile.

The family gasps before the older woman claps. She tells Uncle Alberto, "What a miracle! I thought you would be alone forever."

Uncle Alberto and Mario embrace as the family walks toward them.

The ad cuts to the title: "It's never late to be who you are."

While some have praised the commercial for connecting queer identities to cultural traditions, others have commented that there is a mixed message of only being one's true, queer self in death.

In a statement to The Advocate, a representative from Doritos Mexico said the commercial is part of its #ProudAllYear platform, which celebrates and promotes respect and support for diversity.

"In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is a celebration of life. It's a moment to share our respect, love, and unity for all the people we cherish, even if they are gone," the representative explained. "And it's an opportunity for Doritos Mexico to celebrate love and our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community every day. With the commercial 'It's never late to be who you are,' we want to say that it's never too late to share your true self, and when you are ready, we will support you."