Mexico is a cultural mix of ancient pagan influences such as – Maya, Zapotec and Aztec. Mexican people have preserved the culture and tradition of these ancestors and all their rituals as well as festivals.

One of the important festivals of Mexico is El Dia de Los Muertos which means Day of Dead. Though it means Day of Dead, Mexican people celebrate it as a festival of life and death. It is a celebration of ancestors that can be traced back in indigenous cultures.

It is celebrated in entire Mexico from 31st October to 2nd November. For this festival, Mexican people build altars of dead people with marigold flowers which are known as the flower of dead and the oblation of food and drinks. 1st November is celebrated as the All Saints Day and 2nd November is as All Souls Day. Mexican people believe that the souls of departed people from their families come to visit them during this period.

First day of this festival is celebrated for the infants as well as children who passed away and the second day is for the dead adults. Normally, people gather in town square and host their altars as a remembrance of their loved ones who passed away. Basically it is a gathering of families and friends from entire country to pray and remember their loved ones who died.

While preparing altars of dead people, they put marigold flowers, ofrendas of fruits, special dishes or vegetables prepared for the soul to enjoy. For this festival, Mexican people prepare special food such as skull shaped candies and bread. They also put the belongings of the deceased. People give each other skulls made of amaranth, sugar and chocolates which represent they can eat their own death.

During this festival, Mexican people go to graveyards and clean up the gravesites of their friends, family members and then decorate them. In many cities, people organize the parades on El Dia de Los Muertos with horses, musicians and dancers.

It is the great ritual of Mexico for showing love and remembrance for their loved ones who departed.