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Performers wait to march in a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) procession through historic Olvera Street on November 01, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Olvera Street organizers to hold the festival in a virtual format last year. The traditional Mexican festival with Aztec roots sees people celebrate and commemorate the spirits of departed loved ones. Olvera Street is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument and is considered the oldest street in Los Angeles.

While the Day of the Dead is largely celebrated in Mexico, it is observed across Latin America as well. Furthermore, countries across the globe have adopted various traditions and customs associated with the holiday, of which some have even created their own.

Skulls are synonymous with the Day of the Dead, as they are considered one of the most popular symbols synonymous with the celebration. Typically, they are bright in color, often made out of sugar and represent the cyclical nature of life.

Between when the holiday takes place and how to celebrate, here’s everything to know about the Day of the Dead.

When is the Day of the Dead celebrated?

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People participate in ‘Día de los Muertos’, or Day of The Dead, celebrations in Times Square on October 30, 2022 in New York City. Day of the Dead is a celebratory holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1-2 to remember the dead.

The Day of the Dead is an annual holiday that begins on Nov. 1 and ends on Nov. 2 each year. Some celebrate on Oct. 31 or Nov. 6 depending on geographical location.

The dayoften gets confused with Halloweensince skulls are one of the Day of the Dead’s most notable symbols, but the two holidays are not related.

Where did the Day of the Dead originate?

Sugar Skulls on the Day of The Dead.Getty

We see a close up of Mexican candy Sweet sugar skulls, this are made in the whole country of mexico.

The Day of the Dead originated in Mexico but is rooted in both Aztec and Spanish beliefs and customs. When theSpanish invaded Mexico in the early 1500s, they blended Aztec practices and beliefs with their own Catholic beliefs to create their own customs, perNational Geographic. The Day of the Dead is a mixture of theAztec festival dedicated to goddess Mictecacihuatl(“Lady of the Dead”) combined with Catholic influence.

In contrast, the Roman Catholics celebrate their own version of the holiday with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Similarly, each respective cultural days of observance remember the dead — but while All Saints' Day honors “all the faithful departed,” the Day of the Dead honors perished relatives.

What traditions are associated with the Day of the Dead?

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This is a a Day of the Dead altar at a public shrine in the historic city center of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Although the holiday is largely celebrated in Mexico, Day of the Dead traditions have been adopted all over the world. While some of these customs differ depending on region, there are many common practices shared.

Ofrendas, Spanish for “offering,“is an essential Day of the Dead tradition. It involves the placing of various foods and items symbolic of their ancestors as a way to remember and honor their memory. Typically, they include candles, flowers, and incense, among others.

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Tombs and graves, decorated with marigold flowers, are seen illuminated by burning candles during the Day of the Dead celebrations at the cemetery on November 2, 2021 in Xalpatláhuac, Mexico. Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos), a religious holiday combining the death veneration rituals of Pre-Hispanic cultures with the Catholic practice, is widely celebrated throughout all of Mexico. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather to pray, eat, drink or play music, to remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

Sugar skulls areone of the most beloved symbolsassociated with the Day of the Dead. The colorful designs come in a variety of shapes and forms, like chocolate, face paint and tattoos. They are created and placed on alters to represent a departed loved one.

Who celebrates the Day of the Dead?

Mixtec indigenous people take part in the Day of the Dead celebrations at a cemetery on November 2, 2021 in Xalpatláhuac, Mexico. Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos), a religious holiday combining the death veneration rituals of Pre-Hispanic cultures with the Catholic practice, is widely celebrated throughout all of Mexico. Based on the belief that the souls of the departed may come back to this world on that day, people gather to pray, eat, drink or play music, to remember friends or family members who have died and to support their souls on the spiritual journey.

While the holiday is rooted in Mexican culture, the Day of the Dead is largely celebrated across Latin America. Furthermore, due to the elaborate traditions that accompany the holiday — in addition toOscar-winning films that highlight its importance— the celebration has garnered attention from people all over the world, boosting tourism in Mexico as a result.

Other countries have adopted similar holidays, such as Brazil’s Dia de Finados (a Brazilian iteration of the Day of the Dead) and the Philippines' All Hallows' Day (a Filipino version of All Saints' Day).

source: people.com