or day of the dead, if you will, is basically the mexican version of halloween. (in layman's terms). the celebration traditionally starts at midnight the night of Oct. 31, and the festivities are abundant in images related to death.
the customs have different origins, and their attitudes toward death are different: In the typical Halloween festivities, death is something to be feared. But in el día de los muertos, death — or at least the memories of those who have died — is something to be celebrated.
it's one of the biggest celebrations in mexico, and it's even becoming more popular in the states. Specifics of the celebration vary, but one of the most common customs is the making of elaborate altars to welcome departed spirits home. Vigils are held, and families often go to cemeteries to fix up the graves of their dearly departed relatives. Festivities also frequently include traditional foods such as pan de muerto (bread of the dead) which can conceal a miniature skeleton, skull-shaped candies and sweets, and paper mache skeletons and other ghouly figures.
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this is an example of the elaborate style altars that are built to honor the return of the dearly departed. at the top of the article, is the candle light vigil at night.
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