Ancient Roots: Day of the Dead started as an Aztec festival honoring the dead thousands of years ago.
Ancient Roots: Day of the Dead started as an Aztec festival honoring the dead thousands of years ago.
Spanish Influence: The Spanish blended their Catholic holidays with this festival, creating Día de los Muertos.
Spanish Influence: The Spanish blended their Catholic holidays with this festival, creating Día de los Muertos.
Spiritual Reunion: From November 1-2, it's believed that spirits of the dead visit their families.
Spiritual Reunion: From November 1-2, it's believed that spirits of the dead visit their families.
Worldwide Celebration: Besides Mexico, countries like the Philippines and Haiti also have similar celebrations.
Worldwide Celebration: Besides Mexico, countries like the Philippines and Haiti also have similar celebrations.
Joyful Remembrance: People visit graves to celebrate, not mourn, with music and stories.
Joyful Remembrance: People visit graves to celebrate, not mourn, with music and stories.
La Catrina: This elegantly dressed skeleton symbol, created by artist José Guadalupe Posada, is iconic to the celebration.
La Catrina: This elegantly dressed skeleton symbol, created by artist José Guadalupe Posada, is iconic to the celebration.
Ofrendas: Families build altars called "ofrendas" at home to honor the deceased.
Ofrendas: Families build altars called "ofrendas" at home to honor the deceased.
Meaningful Decorations: Items on the ofrenda, like marigold petals and candles, have special meanings.
Meaningful Decorations: Items on the ofrenda, like marigold petals and candles, have special meanings.
Traditional Foods: Sweet bread called pan de muerto and sugar skulls are placed on ofrendas.
Traditional Foods: Sweet bread called pan de muerto and sugar skulls are placed on ofrendas.
In the Movies: Films like "Coco" and "Spectre" have showcased Day of the Dead traditions.
In the Movies: Films like "Coco" and "Spectre" have showcased Day of the Dead traditions.