Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the dead, is a spirited and meaningful holiday celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American countries. It’s a time to honor and remember our loved ones who have passed away. Dia de los Muertos goes back to the Aztecs, because they believed that during this period the souls of the dead would return to their families.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated every year from October 31st to November 2nd. These days are when families come together to  build elaborate altars called ofrendas, decorated with marigolds called cempasuchil, candles, photos, and their loved ones favorite foods, drinks, and special items that remind you of them. It is believed that these ofrendas help guide spirits home and provide them with food. And also that “the doors of heaven open at midnight on October 31st and children’s spirits can reunite with their families for 24 hours, while adults can do the same on November 2nd.”

During these celebrations, people also visit cemeteries of their loved ones to clean and decorate their graves. They sometimes participate in parades at night wearing bright colored costumes and many people also paint their faces as skeletons and calaveras (skulls). This is a beautiful way people celebrate and remember the lives of people who have passed away.