The Day of the Dead (Spanish: el Día de Muertos or el Día de los Muertos) is a holiday that is traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, although other days such as October 31 or November 6 may be included depending on the locality. It is widely observed in Mexico, where it largely developed, and is also observed in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage. The holiday combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls Day, a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500s. The holiday is like a family reunion, except dead ancestors are the guests of honor.

Families create ofrendas (offerings) to honor their departed family members that have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the one being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods, and join in the celebrations. Day of the Dead is a rare holiday for celebrating death and life, and it is unlike any holiday where mourning is exchanged for celebration.

The first day of the holiday, November 1, is known as Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels) and is dedicated to children who have died. The second day, November 2, is known as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and is dedicated to adults who have passed away. The holiday is primarily a Mexican tradition, but other Catholic countries around the world also honor the deceased.

While the most recognizable aspects of Day of the Dead are the representations of skulls and skeletons, the tradition that holds the most meaning is the ofrenda (Spanish for offering) . The ofrenda is what the whole celebration is about; it’s a collection of offerings that are meant to welcome the dead back to the world of the living.