It is a celebration of life, blending indigenous Mesoamerican rituals with Spanish Roman Catholic traditions.
Families build private altars in their homes, decorated with marigold flowers ( cempasúchil ), candles, papel picado (cut paper), photos of the departed, and their favorite food and drinks.
Families often spend the night in cemeteries, cleaning, decorating graves with flowers, and sharing stories, music, and food with the departed. Key Dates:
It is not a somber occasion, but rather a festive, joyous event where families welcome back the spirits of their ancestors for a brief reunion.
