The Day of the Dead tradition appears rooted in pre-Hispanic beliefs that the spirits of the dead
went neither to a heaven or hell, but wandered for years before entering Mictlan, the "Land of the Dead".
Exact traditions vary throughout Mexico due to its sixty or so indigenous groups. In some areas the
relatives of the deceased burn incense over the altars, while in other communities people light
bonfires in their house doorways to guide the dead home.
Some Mexicans have all night vigils while others arrange an afternoon meal
at the gravesides of their departed relatives.
These gatherings are often festive and solemn by turn.
 

Day of the Dead altar to renowned Mexican poet, writer and intellectual Octavio Paz
 (1914-1998) who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1990.
 

 Notice the Catrina, the many skulls, often made out of sugar and of course the ubiquitous candles
 
 

Orange marigolds are popularly believed to attract the souls of the departed
 

Day of the Dead altar to Puerto Vallarta resident and champion boxer Marco Antonio Nazareth, 23,
who died July 22, 2009 from brain injuries suffered in a boxing match several days earlier
 

 This is quite a full example of an altar: with many candles, offerings of the deceased's favorite foods
and drinks, the Catrina and skeleton, Day of the Dead bread, personal artifacts and memorabilia,
handwritten cards with prayers, poems or words about the person being honored,
and orange as the dominant color to welcome home the spirit of the departed.
 
 

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees."  - revolutionary Emiliano Zapata

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