The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday of remembrance and honoring of ancestors. Those who celebrate it believe they are reunited with past family members only on this special day through celebrations of food, music, and much more.

Day of the Dead is celebrated from October 31-November 2, and has taken place honoring spirits for over 3,000 years. The holiday originated with the Aztecs and other groups of Central Mesoamerica viewing death as an integral part of life. It is believed that those who die travel to the Land of the Dead and undergo a journey of several challenges in order to reach the final resting place. People of Mesoamerica provided food, tools, and materials at alters so their deceased family members could use them on their journey. This inspired what we now know as the Day of the Dead.

Nowadays, families often gift food and offerings to their loved one’s graves or special alters called ofrendas. The holiday celebrates these three days of the year where the border between the living and dead is lifted, and the dead can visit the living. People celebrate with parades, costumes, festivals, and many celebrations. Many people wear skull masks and eat traditional Mexican treats of the holiday.

The Day of the Dead is an fundamental part of Mexican heritage that should be honored and recognized. It is a special day to the people of today, and an important event with much historical background and a lot to appreciate.