In Mexico, Halloween doesn’t hold a candle to El Día de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.

A colorful fusion of traditional indigenous customs and European traditions, Día de Los Muertos is a two-day celebration of ancestors and deceased family members.

According to legend, on November 1^st and 2^nd, the spirits of the dead come back to visit their families. The living celebrate them with flowers, festivals, sweets, and images of intricately decorated skulls and skeletons.  They have picnics and light candles in cemeteries. While images of death are everywhere, it’s important to understand that this isn’t a scary or a sad holiday- it’s a celebration of life, both past, and present