The Great German Superlative- Sau
On November 2 of each year Mexico celebrates it biggest holiday the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). Originally an Aztec festival, it was celebrated as an all month festival in the month of August. Now that Mexico is a very religious and Catholic country, it corresponds with the traditional Catholic day of All Saints Day.
November 2nd 2010 Day of the Dead in SF Mission 29 (Photo credit: sfmission.com)
The tradition goes back a long way, in Aztec times people would celebrate the life of loved ones who have left others behind. Offerings are given to their loved ones to nourish their spirits, from tequila to food and even flowers usually the African marigold (Tagetes erecta)
The main symbol of the celebration is the skull called “calavera” and offerings made from sugar, bread and chocolate, which can all be found in the shape of the skull. The offerings which come in the shape of skulls and skeletons has an intricate form of art attached to it.
Skulls are painted with different designs and skeletons are dressed up usually with clothes from the loved one whose life they are celebrating. People turn their houses into altars to celebrate the life of the loved one
Altar and traditional offerings of the day of the dead in Mexico (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The exact tradition of what is done for the day varies from region to region. It could be visiting the graves of loved ones and adorning their graves with traditional offerings. It could also be turning your house into an altar, or even opening your doors to visitors and exchanging candles. 
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