Day of the Dead

Revelers from around the world are drawn to Mexico to witness “Dia de los Muertos” -- or “Day of the Dead.” The multi-day holiday starts at the end of October and focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and help support their spiritual journey.

In 2008 the tradition was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. During this annual celebration, families adorn the graves of their ancestors with food, decorations and momentos. Walk through the cemeteries at night to see the elaborate candle-lit vigils people have created for their ancestors. One of the most common offerings during the festival is sweet yeast bread called Pan de Muertos. Often the loaves are oval or round and topped with bone shapes.