Day of the Dead is a popular holiday that is celebrated every November 1st & 2nd throughout Mexico, Italy, Spain, South America and the Philippines. However, it is primarily celebrated in central and southern Mexico. This special holiday also coincides with the Catholic Holy Day of Obligation, All Soul's Day and can be historically traced back to Mexico's past Indian villages. On this day, we believe that at midnight of October 31, the gates of heaven open and the spirits of the deceased loved ones are allowed to reunite with their families for only 24 hours.

Then, on November 2nd the adult spirits are joined with their families to celebrate the local celebrations prepared for them. Many cities have outdoor markets where families can buy sugar skulls, altar decorations, and special treats for their own family party. Many families like to create sculptures honoring a loved one and may surround it with their favorite foods, drink, photos and candles as if they are being welcomed back into their home. Because the people believe that their loved ones spirits are so tired and weary, they prepare the altar with a large amount of food, soda, coffee, water, tea, fruit, peanuts, and my personal favorite pan de muerto.

Many of the families will have an altar in remembrance of their loved ones and will visit the cemetery where the bodies were laid to rest. The families will clean the tombs, play card games, listen to music, and share many stories about their loved ones. To this day I can still say my family has an altar in our home in remembrance of our loved ones. This holiday has meant more to me as I got older after many of my loved ones had passed away. Even my parents can remember when they were little with their families celebrating the life of their loved ones in the cemetery. Family is the center of all Hispanic families so to have a holiday where they can remember their loved ones is a big deal. So no matter what background you come from, you can join in with the millions of people around the world celebrating Dia de los Muertos.