Day of the Dead - Dia de los Muertos

Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday in which families remember their dead, place altars in their homes and decorate tombs in cemeteries.

Day of the Dead festivities take place throughout Mexico, but these are the destinations that are home to the most colorful celebrations.

Learn how to make your own altar for Day of the Dead, including what you will need and detailed steps to build a Day of the Dead altar.

Oaxaca is a great destination to celebrate Day of the Dead. There is plenty to see and do in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead. You can see beautiful Day of the Dead altars and sand tapestries, and visit the cemeteries.

Day of the Dead is an important yearly celebration in Mexico. Here are some vocabulary words that you should know for celebrating Day of the Dead.

Images of Day of the Dead festivities in Oaxaca and Mixquic.

One of the traditions around Day of the Dead in Mexico involves making an altar or offering for the spirits who will return on this occasion. See photos of Mexican Day of the Dead Altars.

Definition of calavera or calaverita

Cempasuchil, also called "flor de muerto" is the name for marigold flowers that are used in Day of the Dead celebrations.

Definition of Xantolo. This definition is part of our Day of the Dead glossary.

Definition of Hanal Pixan. This definition is part of our Day of the Dead glossary.

Day of the Dead altars, sometimes called offerings or ofrendas, are an important part of Day of the Dead celebrations. Have you made a Day of the Dead altar? Please share your experience and a photo.See submissions

A look at the origins and history of Day of the Dead, from prehispanic times, through the colonial period up through the present day.