Day of the Dead
El Dia de los Muertos - or the Day of the Dead - is the most highly celebrated religious event after Easter and Christmas in Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America. People usually visit and decorate graves between October 31 and November 2 around two important Catholic celebrations. All Saint's Day honors Catholic saints, while All Soul's Day acknowledges all of the dead. Aid is asked of souls in heaven and prayers are said for souls in purgatory. The Day of the Dead festival combines Catholic traditions with local folk customs that started before the Spanish conquest to create a vibrant and unique celebration.
Ways of Celebrating The exact day and manner of celebration vary throughout Mexico and other parts of Latin America. The Day of the Dead often takes on a Mardi-Gras-like atmosphere in the large cities. People wearing skull and devil masks drink and dance in the streets. Calaveras, or skeletons, are depicted in paper cut-outs, figurines and drawings performing everyday activities such as cycling, playing the guitar, or plying trades as well as participating in the festivities by 
drinking and dancing. They are often accompanied by satirical verses. For example, in modern day Tancoco in Veracruz there is masked dancing, and songs are sung that poke fun at important local people. Children wear costumes of skeletons with batman on it, similar to Halloween, but they also are given traditional foods to eat.
Preparation for the festival begins days ahead as particular foods such as pan de muerta (bread of the dead) are cooked; special objects, like black-glazed candlesticks, incense burners and jars - on display - are made or purchased. Cemeteries are cleaned. Favorite foods for sale include calaveras de azuca, small skulls made of spun sugar and often engraved with the names of the dead. The Day of the Dead is less a time for mourning than a time for remembering and celebrating. 
In rural communities, Day of the Dead activities revolve around families gathering together to remember loved ones who have passed away, particularly those who have died recently. Family members cook traditional foods such as chocolate, tamales and candied fruits to present in an ofrenda, or offering, placed in the homes of the deceased. Pictures of the dead are arranged on a table that is covered with cloth, often embroidered by family members. The table is heavily adorned with crepe paper, paper-mâché ornaments, ribbons, flowers, fruits, incense burners, containers of food, pulque (an alcoholic beverage made from the 
maguey plant), holy water, and pictures of saints and the Holy Trinity. Ofrendas are highly individualized. For instance, junk food may be placed on the table if it was greatly enjoyed by the deceased. A favorite article of clothing or an object that conveys the individual's job or hobby may be displayed.
It is customary to visit the homes and ofrendas of friends and neighbors. The hosts provide bread and chocolate for their guests. Newly purchased items or those that belonged to the deceased may be given to relatives or friends participating in the celebration. Through such reciprocal visits and gift-giving, the Day of the Dead affirms relationships with family members and friends.
Food and flowers play an important role in graveside festivities. Marigolds, called Zempoalxochil - or "flower of the dead" - are placed at graves. Their aroma and color are thought to invite the dead back to the world of the living. In some areas of Mexico a path between the home and cemetery is strewn with marigold petals to guide the return of the souls. Special foods such as tlatlapas (rolled corn dough filled with refried beans) and dishes with turkey or chicken are brought for the enjoyment of the dead. Pitchers of water blessed during a pilgrimage earlier in the year are placed at the grave. After the dead have enjoyed their meal the celebrants eat the food.
