Dia de Los Muertos

Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a huge celebration in Mexico where families honor and remember loved ones that have passed on. The tradition dates back thousands of years and rather than a somber and mournful occasion it is a joyous time where people celebrate. They decorate the graves of loved ones and construct altars in their homes to honor the dead. The altars are adorned with fruit, sugar skulls, chocolate, flowers, pan de muerto, and mementos. The families spend many hours in the pantions (cemeteries) with their loved ones, sometimes the entire day or evening, keeping them company. There are many places throughout the country to observe and partake in the traditional festivities of the holiday; but none are as colorful or as memorable as those of Oaxaca or Michoca, where flower tapetes adorn the street, lanterns float in the lakes, and posadas take place nightly, and where chocolate (hot) and Pan de los Muertos are all consumed in abundance!