The Day of the Dead, or in Spanish Día de los Muertos, is a traditional Mexican holiday when families honor and remember their deceased loved ones, believing that during this time, spirits return to the world of the living. The holiday is celebrated in Mexico and to a lesser extent in some other Spanish-speaking countries and countries with significant Mexican diasporas. Celebrations usually take place in late October – early November and are associated with the Catholic holiday of All Saints' Day, which is also celebrated during these days.
Families create ofrendas – home altars to honor members of their families who have passed away. These altars are adorned with marigold flowers, photographs of the deceased, as well as the favorite dishes and drinks of those being honored.
The celebration occurs in three stages. First, the spirits of children are remembered, followed by adults, and then all the deceased. In their towns, people gather for mass festive parades, but also visit cemeteries as families.
Parades, costumes, and traditional ofrendas of flowers and dishes make this holiday incredibly colorful and impressive for onlookers. All of this creates an atmosphere of respect for the past, love for relatives, and belief in the connection with the departed souls, who, according to Mexican belief, return to celebrate together with them.