Traditionally the Dia de los Muertos falls on November 2nd, however in modern times celebrations can span from October 31st through to the 2nd of November. So make that 'days' of the dead. Interestingly, November 1st is reserved for honouring deceased infants and children, while the 2nd is for adults who have passed on.
To celebrate, families create altars with offerings to the deceased in their homes. They also visit graveyards and clean the find resting places of their dearly departed, leaving flowers, candles, food and drinks. In some cases musicians are employed to play music throughout the cemetery, hitting those favourite tunes that the deceased listened to when alive.
Much like a wake, families also use this time to gather and tell jokes and stories about the deceased. The time is one of reminiscence, love and joy.
It is believed that during these days, the dead will visit their families and join in the celebrations.
On a darker note, there have been stories of angry spirits of forgotten ancestors preying on their families during this period, so some people celebrate Dia de los Muertos in fear of reprisal.
The use of skeletons and skulls to represent death and rebirth is common during this holiday. It's important to note though that these representations are never sad or scary, rather happy and whimsical.
Many even paint these skulls onto their faces in celebration. We often see this tradition represented during American Halloween celebrations in honour of their southern neighbours.
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