From pre-Columbian times, El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead has been celebrated in Mexico, and other Latin countries.  This is a very special ritual, since it is the day in which the living remembers their departed relatives.  Sometimes, when people of other cultures hear for the first time about the celebration of the Day of the Dead, they mistakenly think it must be: gruesome, terrifying, scary, ugly and sad.  Nothing could be further from the truth; the Day of the Dead is a beautiful ritual in which Mexicans happily and lovingly remember their loved relatives that have died.  Much like when we go to a graveyard to leave some lovely flowers on a tomb of a relative.

The celebration takes place on November 1 and 2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.  Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed.