© Suzanne Barbezat
Day of the Dead is a holiday that involves all of the senses. A trail marked by cempasuchitl petals indicates the path the spirits follow to an altar laden with flowers, candles, food and libations. The combined aromas of crushed flowers, spicy mole, hot chocolate and copal incense fill the air. These alluring fragrances draw the spirits to the offerings their families have prepared for them. After seeing to the needs of the dead, the living also enjoy the foods and drinks particular to the season. Bread, tamales, and fruit are just a few of the foods that are eaten during Día de los Muertos; see our list of Day of the Dead Foods to learn more about the foods of this holiday, their history and info about where you can get them.