As in many Latin American countries, Mexico commemorates the Day of the Dead or All Souls’ Day on November 2nd. The people of Mexico pay homage to death in a unique way during the last days of October and the first days of November.  The legacy of past civilization’s customs have become a ceremony where indigenous beliefs blend with Catholic beliefs. The Nahuas had two days to honor their dead, the Celebration to their deceased children MIHKAILHUITONTLI in the nineteenth month of the year (July), and MIHKAIILHUITL a celebration to all the deceased in the twentieth month of the year (August).

 With the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards the inevitable cultural fusion changed the festivities to November 1st and 2nd to coincide with All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day of the Catholic Church. Presently on November 1st, the souls of the children are honored, and on November 2nd El Dia de Murtos the souls of the adults are remembered.

Indigenous people of Mexico believed that souls did not die, that they continued living in Mictlan, a special place to rest, and that the souls of the dead returned each year to commune with the living.  In most Latin American countries, and especially in Mexico, death is celebrated as a continuation. Therefore, the Day of the Dead in Mexico is not a mournful commemoration but a happy and colorful celebration where death takes a lively, friendly expression.

Today in Mexico the days of the dead are celebrated with a mixture of reverence and honor to the departed, enthusiasm to make them feel at home upon their return, and mockery to defy the fear of death. And though the details of the celebrations may vary from region to region the rituals, believes, and customs are continually carried out and passed on to new generations.

As October comes to an end the Cempasuchitl (marigolds) are harvested. Flowers and Candles are essential for the decorations of the ofrenda o altar (offering or altar). It is believed that the aromas and the light will guide the spirits on the journey from the other side. The ofrenda is not an altar of devotion; rather, it is an altar of remembrance. On the altar they will place the offerings of fruits, vegetables, pan de muertos(day of the dead bread) and other special dishes prepared for the soul to enjoy the essence of the aroma of the food. An altar may also include favorite items that once belonged to the deceased as well as photographs. Usually the alter will contain the four main elements of nature –earth, wind, water and fire are represented. Earth is represented by the crops. Wind is represented by a moving object, papel picado (paper cut-outs) are the most popular items used to represent wind. Water is placed in a cantaro (jug) for the thirsty souls.  Fire is represented by the use of candles. Each soul is representedced by a lit candle, and an extra one is placed for the forgotten soul. This alter will be placed at the tombstone or in the main room of the family’s home.