Día de los Muertos is a holiday that celebrates and honors those who have passed. It is predominately celebrated in Mexico, but is also celebrated in Haiti, Peru, Guatemala, Bolivia, and Ecuador. The two-day celebration has roots in rituals and beliefs practiced by the indigenous peoples of the Americas including the Olmecs, Toltecs, Mixtecs, Zapotecs, Maya, and Aztecs.
Today, families build altars with various foods and decorations towelcome their loved ones home. Yellow marigolds, papel picado, photos of loved ones, calaveras (skulls), and candles are often used in decorations.
This celebration acknowledges death as an integral part of life and reminds us that those who have passed are still alive in our memories.
Fun fact: The Disney/Pixar film Coco is centered around Día de los Muertos.
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